I am quite torn on this issue. I think the principle that all children should be able to visit these sites is a good one.
However kids of people who work full time but are unable to access UC because they earn slightly too much are in many cases now completely locked out too - given prices are so high.
It just boils down to the fact that if you go to work every day in an unrewarding job that pays a bit too much to receive any UC and struggle to pay the mortgage on a house that will be used to pay care fees - where is the benefit for you and your children? You miss out at every turn.
I would still prefer the freedom of an income compared to benefits but I think posters are being naive if they don’t think this is an issue.
Where I am pattern seems to be 4-5 kids often spread out over 20 years to keep payments coming. One or 2 with adhd or mild asd so - not affected by benefits cap.
Child support payments from partner - also not affected.
Heavily subsidised rent on flat in expensive city.
Less than 16 hours work in untaxing job - wage not affected by cap and childcare covered.
Lots of home schooling - not sure how this impacts benefits if at all but would not be surprised if some kind of loophole. Perhaps less pressure to find job when kid hits 12 - although could be wrong.
To stress - this is absolutely not reflective of everyone who claims UC many of whom absolutely need the help. I also know many, particularly single people, receive much less and struggle greatly.
However this is definitely a pattern I have seen among parents at DC’s school. And if the alternative is to struggle working 40 hours a week in a low paid job, miss out on time with kids and loose all these entitlements than who could blame them?