[user104658]

Originally Posted by Livia

The UK did this in the 50s by introducing Family Allowance. They're still paying it even though we're overpopulated.

Family Allowance to be fair wasn't just a "breeding incentive", it was designed to make sure that women (mostly stay at home mothers at the time) had some cash in their pocket that they didn't have to get from their husband, who may or may not "let them" have their own spending money. Thankfully that's actually considered financial abuse these days.

It became Child Benefit eventually... and while I wouldn't see it taken away (on the contrary, I'd see in-work benefits for people with children increased)... I'm not sure what the rationale is for having it remain a separate benefit. It would probably make more sense to incorporate it into Universal Credit at this point (as an element still automatically awarded up to the same income cut off).