News

Child poverty warning as Reform and Conservatives oppose Labour plans to scrap two-child limit

Published

1 month ago

January 13, 2026

More than 69,000 children in Wales could be affected as parties clash over benefit policy

A sharp political divide has emerged over child poverty, with Reform UK and the Conservatives opposing Labour’s move to scrap the two-child benefit limit – a policy Labour says is pushing working families and children into poverty.

As legislation to remove the two-child limit is introduced to Parliament, Labour has warned that the position taken by Reform UK and the Conservatives risks forcing more than 69,000 children and around 19,000 working families in Wales back into poverty.

The Conservatives have said they would reintroduce the two-child limit in full, while Reform UK has indicated it would restore the policy for more than 99 per cent of households affected, exempting only families where both parents are in full-time work – most of whom are not currently subject to the limit.

The two-child limit prevents families from receiving additional benefits when they have a third or subsequent child. In Wales, just over 19,000 families are affected, many of them in work but struggling on low incomes.

Labour says new analysis shows that scrapping the limit would benefit more than 69,000 children across Wales and forms a central part of its approach to tackling child poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. By contrast, Labour has accused Reform UK and the Conservatives of pursuing policies that would deepen poverty and reverse recent progress.

In Pembrokeshire, hundreds of families are currently affected by the two-child limit, with Labour representatives warning that the policy disproportionately impacts households in rural areas, where wages are often lower and the cost of essentials such as transport, food and energy is higher. Labour argues that removing the limit would provide direct financial support to working families in the county who are already under financial pressure.

Figures show that the majority of families affected by the two-child limit include at least one working parent, a point Labour says undermines claims that the policy targets those who are not in work.

Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, said: “The cruel and unfair two-child limit imposed by the Tories has hit the incomes of people in some of our most vulnerable communities in Wales. We in Welsh Labour have relentlessly called for it to be scrapped. We now see from today’s figures, the real positive impact of the UK Government’s action and also the benefit of two Labour governments working together to help tackle child poverty.

“While your two Labour governments are putting more money in families’ pockets, Reform and the Tories would plunge 450,000 children across the UK back into poverty by reimplementing the policy, punishing parents for working hard.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “This Labour Government came into office pledging to tackle child poverty and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“I’m proud that Labour is scrapping the cruel two-child limit. It’s a policy that has imposed hardship on the children of parents who go out to work to provide as much as they can for their families.

“Because of Labour’s action, 19,000 families in Wales will have more money in their pockets, with 69,000 more children growing up in households with the means to meet their needs.

“The Reform-Tory Child Poverty Pact would wipe out this progress. It is a plan to punish parents who work hard and do the right thing, and it would plunge hundreds of thousands back into poverty.”

Labour says its wider Child Poverty Strategy, which includes expanding free school meals, cutting energy bills, extending childcare provision and increasing the national living wage — is expected to lift 550,000 children out of poverty across the UK by 2030, a figure it says represents the largest reduction in a single parliamentary term.

Local Government

Independent group threatens to oppose council tax plans over education cuts

Published

6 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Councillors demand £2m savings removed amid safeguarding concerns in schools

THE INDEPENDENT GROUP on Pembrokeshire County Council has warned it will not support the Cabinet’s proposed council tax increases unless planned reductions to the education budget are reversed.

Cabinet has recommended a council tax rise of 4.6% for 2026/27, followed by 5% the following year and potential increases of up to 7.5% in future years. The Independent Group has criticised the proposals, describing them as a “ballot box” budget which they claim postpones difficult financial decisions for future administrations.

The group also said it had not been consulted during the budget process by Council Leader Jon Harvey, despite representing a significant number of councillors.

Safeguarding concerns raised

Councillor Huw Murphy said the group’s main concern relates to education funding, particularly following the recent placement of three Pembrokeshire schools into special measures.

He said: “The seriousness of the situation facing education in Pembrokeshire cannot be overstated. All councillors need to place school safeguarding above party politics.”

The Independent Group argues that reducing the education budget by more than £2 million would be inappropriate at a time when schools face financial pressures and scrutiny from inspectors.

The councillors have called for the proposed savings to be reinvested to help improve standards at Ysgol Harri Tudur, Milford Haven School and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre in Neyland, as well as addressing wider infrastructure concerns including building maintenance issues at several schools across the county.

Budget pressures acknowledged

The group acknowledged efforts by the council’s finance leadership to achieve savings, noting projections that the authority could finish the financial year under budget.

However, Councillor Murphy questioned whether some efficiencies may have affected services, including education provision and safeguarding.

He also highlighted that councillors had previously reduced proposed education cuts during last year’s budget process following cross-party support.

Political tensions

The statement also criticised the position of councillors from other parties, questioning whether Labour and Plaid members would support reductions in education spending given the current challenges facing schools.

It further referenced previous proposals from Liberal Democrats councillors for higher council tax increases to protect school funding, suggesting the current position appeared inconsistent.

The Independent Group says it will only support the budget if education cuts are removed, placing what it describes as safeguarding, wellbeing and educational attainment as its priority.

The Herald has approached Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

Community

Smiles all round for Pancake Day celebrations in Tenby

Published

8 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY was filled with laughter, cheers and the smell of freshly cooked pancakes on Tuesday (Feb 17) as the town’s annual pancake races brought residents and visitors together for a day of family-friendly fun.

The much-loved tradition, held to mark Shrove Tuesday, saw competitors of all ages take to the streets armed with frying pans, attempting to race while flipping pancakes without dropping them. Spectators lined the route in good spirits, many wrapped up against the chilly weather, as children, families and local groups took part.

Among the highlights were enthusiastic young racers proudly showing off their pancake-flipping skills, with some managing impressive mid-air flips while others focused on simply reaching the finish line with their pancake still intact. The event created plenty of memorable moments for families watching and taking part.

RNLI volunteers also joined the celebrations, bringing colour and community spirit to the occasion in their distinctive yellow gear, alongside a mascot character who proved popular with children.

The races form part of Tenby’s traditional Shrove Tuesday celebrations, which continue to be an important date in the town’s community calendar. Organisers said the event is designed to bring people together, celebrate local traditions and create a fun experience for families during the school half-term period.

Younger participants also took to the course in dedicated children’s races, many concentrating hard as they carefully balanced their pancakes while moving along the route under the watchful eyes of parents and marshals.

With smiles all round and plenty of successful pancake flips, the event once again proved why Tenby’s pancake races remain a cherished annual tradition for the community.

Photos: Gareth Davies / Herald.

Crime

Teen given community order after assaulting police officer at hospital

Published

9 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER from Neyland has been given a community order after admitting assaulting a police officer at Withybush Hospital.

Luke Davies, aged 18, of Springfield Avenue, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) for sentencing.

The court heard that on July 9, 2025, at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest, Davies assaulted PC Elliot Jamie Williams while the officer was acting in the execution of his duty. The offence is contrary to section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996.

Davies had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on January 6, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 15, 2027. The order includes participation in drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programmes for six months, both to be carried out as directed by probation, along with regular court reviews.

He must also complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

Davies was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £85 prosecution costs.

The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for review on March 16 at 10:00am.