Historically, the United Kingdom has had a limited approach towards family planning, primarily because of policymakers’ belief on a “classic liberal” conception of the welfare state.
Laws passed in the 17th and 18th centuries regarding families were rare and generally aimed at fixing “inefficiencies” in the system or addressing the most serious societal issues stemming from marriage.
[7] The post-recession environment though lead policymakers to implement austerity measures on what became a relatively vast welfare state regarding families.
[9] Though Treasury officials denied that this move was an attempt to influence families on how many children they should have, critics labeled it a de facto “two-child policy”.
[9] However, indications point to the Conservative government limiting austerity-driven proposals, as Prime Minister Theresa May has introduced 30 hours of free child care for three and four year olds.