Penrith MP Votes Against Scrapping Two Child Benefit Cap While Still Entitled To Both Pay as Councillor and MP

Penrith’s new Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours, has this evening voted against an amendment on scrapping the two-child benefit cap in Parliament.

MPs have been voting on an amendment to the King’s speech tabled by the SNP to scrap the two-child benefit cap policy that was Introduced in 2017, the restriction prevents parents from claiming benefits for more than two children. It only applies to children who were born after 6 April 2017.

Latest official figures show that 1.6 million children are living in families affected by the policy. Child Poverty Action Group said “The two-child limit is the biggest driver of rising child poverty.” “delaying its abolition will harm many more young lives and undercut the government’s poverty-reduction plans.”

Seven Labour MP’s who voted in support of the SNP motion and have now had the party whip withdraw.

Apsana Begum, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long Bailey, Ian Byrne, Richard Burgon, Zarah Sultana and John McDonnell. Have all been suspended by Labour and will now sit as Independent MP’s In Parliament.

It has also emerged today that following his election, Markus Campbell-Savours MP has to date not resigned as Cumberland Council Councillor and Executive member but did not attend an executive meeting of the council held today or a full council meeting held earlier this month, he instead sent his apologies for both meetings.

While he remains a councillor, alongside his £91,346 pay plus expenses as an MP, Markus Campbell-Savours MP will also remain entitled to £14,500 members allowance as a councillor alongside a £14,500 portfolio holder’s allowance as a member of the council's executive.

Markus Campbell-Savours MP has following publication of the article said “I won't be claiming any allowance from the council following my election to parliament.”