Local MSP Maree Todd, SNP has described the UK Government’s 2 child benefit cap as ‘callous’ as new research published by the Child Poverty Action Group has said that over 3,000  families in the Highlands and Islands could be affected by the policy.

Maree Todd said:

“Social security should be a safety net for all of us, but the two-child limit is having a devastating effect on families up and down the country, with 11,975 of children in Highlands and Islands set to be affected by it.

“All families are valuable and worthy of support, but this heartless policy turns people away when they most need support, and leaves children to grow up in hardship – which can have lifelong consequences for their health and wellbeing.

“The SNP government has been left to pick up the pieces, investing over £125 million to mitigate callous Tory welfare policies.

“In addition, it is introducing a Scottish Child Payment to tackle child poverty. Without the two-child cap, this payment could go so much further.

“The next Tory Prime Minister should make it a priority to tackle poverty and enable children to thrive, starting with reversing the two-child limit and horrendous ‘rape clause.’”

The research by the Child Poverty Action Group estimates that over 19% of children in Orkney and Shetland will suffer do to the imposition of the 2 child benefit cap.

This year Professor Alston , the United Nations Reporter on Poverty condemned the policies pursued by successive UK Governments from the LibDem/Con Coalition right through to the current Conservative Government. A ‘Harsh & Uncaring’ UK – The Alston Report