SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan has called on the Labour UK Government to scrap two-child cap, a move which would help 80 families in the islands, as new figures reveal.

Across Scotland, the cap affects almost 30,000 households, with Keir Starmer’s previous promises to scrap it now falling on deaf ears. According to the UK Government’s own estimates, keeping the cap will push 250,000 people - including 50,000 children - into poverty. 

By taking their own steps to end the cap on 2nd March 2026, the SNP government is ensuring 20,000 fewer children will live in relative poverty next year.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, said:

“Labour’s two child cap is now impacting 80 households in the Western Isles.

“Next year that will end only because, once again, the SNP Government in Scotland has stepped in to use its own resources to mitigate the damage done by Westminster.

“This is undoubtedly the right thing to do, but should not be necessary. The nearly 30,000 families that are suffering right now across Scotland are suffering because of the Labour Party. 

“Unlike Starmer’s government, John Swinney is leading a Scottish Government whose top mission is the eradication of child poverty; a scourge on society made so much worse by the two-child cap. 

“The Labour Party is devoid of values and has no ambition for Scotland, while the SNP is taking action to improve the lives of all Scots; making decisions in Scotland, for Scotland.”