A Leeds mother receiving Universal Credit has sparked controversy by announcing she's planning another pregnancy following the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap by the Labour government.
Benefit Changes Spark Pregnancy Plans
Rhianon Elizabeth, a jobless mother-of-two from Leeds, publicly declared her intention to have a third child after learning that the controversial two-child benefit limit had been abolished. The mum, who previously admitted relying on Universal Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to make ends meet, expressed excitement about the policy reversal.
The Labour Party government's decision to remove the cap is projected to help lift approximately 450,000 children out of poverty, representing one of the most significant welfare policy changes in recent years.
"Thank You Taxpayers" Says Mum
In social media posts that have since attracted widespread attention, Rhianon didn't hold back her enthusiasm for the policy shift. "Two child benefit cap scrapped mate, watch this space, baby number three coming your way. Thank you taxpayers," she declared.
While acknowledging the positive impact on children's welfare, stating "I do think this is great news because I don't think kids should be penalised," her subsequent comments have generated mixed reactions online.
The mother joked about potentially expanding her family further, questioning "Maybe I should just have about six kids now. I think that's how many you get paid for and that could just be my full-time career." She added, "You know I've took the p**s by now, but maybe I should, they keep sanctioning me, I'll get my money back somehow."
Mixed Public Reaction
The announcement has drawn strong responses from social media users and observers. One viewer commented simply: "This is the problem right here," while another stated more bluntly: "No shame."
However, some defended the policy change regardless of individual cases. A third commenter noted: "I think it's a good thing even though the taxpayers disagree, no child should suffer and a lot of people work are still entitled to UC."
Another supporter highlighted the broader benefits: "I'm actually really pleased with this. I think it's so sad for the kids that grow up struggling. Obviously some parents do abuse the system and that's an issue but children are always innocent and deserve to have a better lifestyle than the UK is currently offering."
The respondent continued, emphasizing that "Not everyone can work and people do face unexpected situations or are in a tough position where they have to make difficult choices. We're all just trying our hardest, it's nice that there's going to be some help for those families that don't have a village."
Rhianon also took the opportunity to call for further cost-of-living measures, suggesting that "Next up I say we lower grocery prices because I think that's everyone's biggest struggle at the minute. Correct me if I'm wrong, but yeah start cutting the groceries down please because it has got absolutely ridiculous these past couple years."
