The Northern Ireland Assembly passed a Legislative Consent Motion on the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill on Tuesday. The motion supports scrapping the policy that since April 2017 has blocked extra Universal Credit and tax credit payments for third or subsequent children.

The two-child limit originated as a UK government measure to control welfare spending. In Northern Ireland, it has affected families claiming benefits, amid ongoing debates on child poverty and social security adequacy.

Mark H Durkan, Foyle MLA, stated support for the change as overdue. He noted his party, the SDLP, opposed the limit from its start and pushed for its abolition at Westminster, Stormont, and local councils. Durkan called for details on impacts to transitional protections and an extension of benefit cap mitigations set to expire in March 2028.

Law Centre NI, which leads the Cliff Edge Coalition, welcomed the Assembly's decision. Sarah Corrigan, the group's Director of Legal Services and Engagement, described it as progress for families facing hardship. The organisation highlighted years of evidence-based advocacy alongside community groups to demonstrate the policy's effects.

Both Durkan and Law Centre NI urged clarity on implementation details, including support for advice services to manage the transition for thousands of affected children and families.