Currently, a paying parent can reduce their CMS payments by adding a partner’s child as a “relevant child,” even if that child is not biologically theirs and already receives support from their own parent. We want the Government to review this process.
React
Members can read every reason.
Review Child Maintenance Service to disincentivise parents withholding custody
We think the Child Maintenance Service should be reviewed and reformed to prevent situations where a parent refuses to allow 50/50 etc custody of a child because they will lose payments.
Reform Child Maintenance Service, strengthen processes to protect paying parent
Reform CMS by calculating maintenance using net income, tax maintenance as income for the receiving parent, allowing reductions for denied contact, mandatory auditable arrears explanations, cease liability at 16, ensure due process before deductions, prosecute false declarations by either parent.
Reassess CMS calculations to include assets and non-PAYE income for parents
We ask the Government to conduct a full review of Child Maintenance System calculation rules for parents who are self-employed or work outside the PAYE system. We request a modernised, transparent assessment framework reflecting the true financial position of parents, regardless of employment type.
Review CMS safeguards to prevent financial abuse and coercive control
Review how the CMS detects and acts on concerns of financial abuse. We believe survivors need better access to support to navigate systems that could enable continued abuse after separation.
Require child maintenance payments to increase by inflation & review enforcement
We call the Government to review and look into reforming Child Maintenance Service (CMS). We believe the current payment system does not reflect the true cost of raising children, especially in the current cost of living crisis.
Currently, a paying parent can reduce their CMS payments by adding a partner’s child as a “relevant child,” even if that child is not biologically theirs and already receives support from their own parent. We want the Government to review this process.
React
Members can read every reason.
Review Child Maintenance Service to disincentivise parents withholding custody
We think the Child Maintenance Service should be reviewed and reformed to prevent situations where a parent refuses to allow 50/50 etc custody of a child because they will lose payments.
Reform Child Maintenance Service, strengthen processes to protect paying parent
Reform CMS by calculating maintenance using net income, tax maintenance as income for the receiving parent, allowing reductions for denied contact, mandatory auditable arrears explanations, cease liability at 16, ensure due process before deductions, prosecute false declarations by either parent.
Reassess CMS calculations to include assets and non-PAYE income for parents
We ask the Government to conduct a full review of Child Maintenance System calculation rules for parents who are self-employed or work outside the PAYE system. We request a modernised, transparent assessment framework reflecting the true financial position of parents, regardless of employment type.
Review CMS safeguards to prevent financial abuse and coercive control
Review how the CMS detects and acts on concerns of financial abuse. We believe survivors need better access to support to navigate systems that could enable continued abuse after separation.
Require child maintenance payments to increase by inflation & review enforcement
We call the Government to review and look into reforming Child Maintenance Service (CMS). We believe the current payment system does not reflect the true cost of raising children, especially in the current cost of living crisis.