The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have welcomed the UK government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on allowances and tax credits for children.

Bishop Richard Moth said that the policy, instituted by the Conservative Government in 2017 directly pushed many families into poverty and created anxiety for low-income, working families who had no choice but to claim social welfare [Universal Credit] as a result of job loss or the onset of disability.

“Repealing this policy, although overdue, comes at a significant cost to the government and we applaud that decision”, he added.

“Large families are a blessing rather than a burden. We must consider how, in a variety of ways, we can support the flourishing of families which are necessary to secure the future of our society.“