LONDON, 16 February 2026 - As a Parliamentary Bill passes through the House of Commons that would scrap the two child limit to benefits, a poll by YouGov found that the public are in favour of the UK Government’s aim to cut child poverty levels.
The poll of 2184 people carried out between 30 January to 1 Feb ahead of the second reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of the Two Child Limit), found that 78% of the public support the aim to cutting child poverty, and this is true among all voter groups.
91% of those who voted Labour at the 2024 General Election support the UK government’s ambition to reduce child poverty. This was 92 percent in support for those who voted Green and 58% for Reform voters.
There was widespread support for this among all age groups also, and particularly younger voters, and across all geographical areas.
78% support – all voter groups the majority supports aim of cutting child poverty
- 68% Cons
- 91% Lab
- 87% Lib Dems
- 58% Reform
- 92% Green
This was across all age groups.
Age:
- 18-24 – 88%
- 25-49 – 80%
- 50-64 – 74%
- 65+ - 75%
This was across all nations.
- England – 77%
- Wales – 85%
- Scotland 81%
- Northern Ireland - 87%
Dan Paskins, Executive Director of UK Impact, said: “It couldn’t be clearer that the UK public want to see child poverty come down and are supportive of the UK government’s aims to do so. Experts have shown consistently that the quickest and most cost effective way of reducing child poverty within this Parliament, is to scrap the two-child limit to benefits.
“The Bill’s passage through Parliament is the final step on the journey to reducing record child poverty rates and change cannot come soon enough for children living in difficult circumstances.”
Editor’s note:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,184 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th January - 1st February 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
Update: The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill is due its third reading in the House of Commons later in February.