Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Removes the two-child limit from Universal Credit calculations for all eligible households.
• Affects families with three or more children who receive or may receive Universal Credit.
• Currently at the third reading in the House of Lords, following broad cross-party support at its second reading.
• Originates in the Lords; if enacted, it would change welfare calculations rather than other benefit rules.
• Next steps involve passage through the Lords to the House of Commons for consideration.

Progress

The bill is at the third reading stage in the House of Lords; once this is finished it would move to the House of Commons for consideration.

Voting

The second reading in the Lords saw broad cross-party support (458 Aye, 104 No). Most parties backed the measure, while Conservatives and Reform UK opposed; a few members were recorded as mixed or not voting.