Keir Starmer has given his clearest indication yet that his government intends to scrap the two-child benefit cap, strongly suggesting the change will be included in the forthcoming 26 November Budget. He said he would not promise to drive down child poverty without being prepared to take 'a number of measures' to achieve it. His comments closely followed remarks from Rachel Reeves, who said it was wrong for children to be 'penalised' simply for being part of a larger family. Treasury sources described her comments as a deliberate 'signal of intent’, with ministers reportedly favouring a full removal of the cap rather than more limited alternatives. One estimate is that abolishing the cap would cost around £3.5bn by 2029/30. The move comes amid unease within Labour ranks over the party’s commitment not to raise income tax. Starmer insisted he was 'personally committed' to reducing child poverty, saying it was a defining achievement of the last Labour government and a priority he intends to pursue again. See