Written questions

Social Security Benefits: Children

Lords · Question HL13677 · Tabled 19 Jan 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 9 Feb 2026

Question

Asked by Lord Bird

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the benefit cap on children's physical and mental health outcomes, including nutrition, stress and access to early intervention services.

Answer

Answered by Baroness Sherlock, 9 Feb 2026

The benefit cap aims to incentivise work as, where possible, it is in the best interest of children to be in working households. Living in a working family has a positive impact on children’s educational attainment, mental health, and long-term aspiration...