02 March 2023 , 00:01
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A child poverty group has claimed new data exposes the "fallacy" the Government's controversial benefit cap as a "work incentive".
Ministers are now facing calls to abandon the cap - around £1,666 per month for a couple per month outside London - which one expert said makes "no logical sense".
Child Poverty Action Group said of the 111,000 of the capped households on universal credit, 38,000 (34%) are exempt from job-search requirements because they have caring responsibilities or kids under three.
Another 21,000 are already working but earning too little to be exempt.
The freedom of information data adds that 51,000 - 46% - are required to take action to secure work or additional work.
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Families are facing intense cost of living pressures (Getty Images)Tory ministers have repeatedly argued the cap acts as a "work incentive" since it was introduced by the Coalition Government in 2013.
But Child Poverty Action Group argues the cap has pushed households into "deep poverty", with over 300,000 children impacted by the cap.
Alison Garnham, the Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: "Our data demonstrates the fallacy that the benefit cap is a work incentive.
"How can it be when so many households caught by it are unable to take a job because of young children?
"It doesn't incentivise work, it leaves children hungry. The Government's position on the cap is incoherent. It must be removed before it harms more young live."
Dr Kitty Stewart, an Associate Professor at the London School of Economics, added: "The benefit cap removes vital support from families just when they need it most.
"These figures show the policy makes no logical sense - it urgently needs to be removed before it does further damage to children's lives."
The Department for Work and Pensions has been contacted for comment.