To ask the Minister for Communities (i) to explain the two-child rule regarding universal credit and working tax credit; (ii) to outline the changes to the rule from February 2019; (iii) whether she has any plans to lobby for a change of this policy with the UK Government; and (iv) whether she has discretion to implement this policy differently in Northern Ireland.

From 6 April 2017, the British Government imposed a limit on support for a maximum of two children, referred to as “the two-child policy” stating a rationale that families in receipt of means-tested benefits should face the same financial choices about having children as those supporting themselves solely through work.

In February 2019, following an announcement in December 2018 by the Secretary of Work and Pensions, changes to the policy and the legislation were applied for families with 3 or more children to continue to receive an additional amount of Universal Credit for all children born before 6 April 2017.

In A Fresh Start: The Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan, the Executive agreed that Westminster would bring forward legislation to provide for the introduction of those welfare changes introduced in Britain. The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 was subsequently made which made provision for the delivery of Welfare Reform here including the introduction of new benefits including Universal Credit. Under Article 4 of the 2015 Order, the powers to make subordinate legislation to implement the various welfare reforms, including the two child policy, are vested in the Secretary of State (for Work and Pensions). Until such times as those powers are transferred back to the Department, it is not in my power to make changes to the two child policy, however, I have consistently made it clear to the British Government that I have significant concerns about this policy.

In the New Decade, New Approach Deal the Executive committed to an urgent review of the welfare mitigation measures. It is anticipated that this review will consider the issue of mitigating the two child policy. My Department is currently developing proposals for the review and details will be announced once they have been agreed by the Executive.