By Joshua Nevett
On the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Phillipson struck a similar tone.
The cabinet minister said scrapping the two-child benefit cap “does come at a cost and that’s why, in keeping with our fiscal rules, we do need to make sure that we have a strong foundation for the economy”.
Phillipson said while the cap was “an important consideration”, it was “not the only way that we are supporting and will support families”, pointing to the expansion of family hubs, free school meals, breakfast clubs, and childcare.
Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who also appeared on the programme, said the government had made some “poor choices” and argued more could be done to cut the growing benefits bill.
He said his party would attempt to make changes to the government’s welfare reform bill as it makes its way through Parliament.
One of the party’s amendments to the bill would reduce entitlement to health-related benefits for those with less severe mental conditions.
“We don’t believe welfare should trap people,” Stride said.
“We do need to be encouraging and have a system that sees people go into work and not on benefits.”