Government report confirms charity concerns about impact of benefit cap on children

It has been estimated that 190,000 children will be affected by the benefit cap – which limits families to £500 per week – as families see their household budgets reduced

However, the number of children with additional vulnerabilities, such as children who are the subject of Child Protection proceedings or who have special educational needs, has still not been identified.

We are calling on the Government to urgently address this and other unanswered questions before rolling out the scheme any further.

Emma Scowcroft, Policy Manager at Action for Children, said:

“We support Government ambition to get more parents into work, but this should not be at the expense of children's life chances. While consideration is being given to the financial cost for adults – as far as we can see, little consideration has been given so far on the impact on children.”

“Children are facing the possibility of having to move hundreds of miles away from their homes and schools. Even before today's report, we knew the stress and pressures associated with moving would likely affect children's behaviour and wellbeing.”

Action for Children is calling on the Department for Work and Pensions to answer the following questions:

• How many vulnerable children will be affected?
• Will the cap deliver for children?
• How many children will have to move school?
• What is the impact on children in 'troubled families'?
• What is the role of child benefit in the cap?
• How are local authorities going to meet children's needs?
• What will the emotional impact of the cap be on vulnerable children?
• Will the cap incentivise parents to work?
• We are currently supporting families who have been affected by these changes, as well as working with councils to identify how the cap can be made to work for children.