Stop increasing child maintenance due to a paying parent earning more
React
Members can read every reason.
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.
Include Child Maintenance as Income in Universal Credit and Means-Tested Benefit
Child maintenance payment is not counted as income for Universal Credit, allowing some to receive maintenance payments and benefits. At the same time, paying parents must meet their obligations even where those payments reduce their overall household income below the Universal Credit threshold.
Reform Child Maintenance calculation: include daytime care and actual costs
Reform the CMS calculation so payments reflect real care. Include all childcare time by paying parents, not just overnight stays. Automatically factor in costs related to travel and a child’s disabilities or long-term health conditions, rather than requiring a separate application for variation.
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.
Keep two-child benefit cap for fairness and sustainable public spending
I want the government to keep the two-child benefit cap to support fair and sustainable welfare spending. Retaining the cap will help manage public finances responsibly and ensure that benefits remain targeted and effective for those most in need.
Stop increasing child maintenance due to a paying parent earning more
React
Members can read every reason.
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.
Include Child Maintenance as Income in Universal Credit and Means-Tested Benefit
Child maintenance payment is not counted as income for Universal Credit, allowing some to receive maintenance payments and benefits. At the same time, paying parents must meet their obligations even where those payments reduce their overall household income below the Universal Credit threshold.
Reform Child Maintenance calculation: include daytime care and actual costs
Reform the CMS calculation so payments reflect real care. Include all childcare time by paying parents, not just overnight stays. Automatically factor in costs related to travel and a child’s disabilities or long-term health conditions, rather than requiring a separate application for variation.
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.
Keep two-child benefit cap for fairness and sustainable public spending
I want the government to keep the two-child benefit cap to support fair and sustainable welfare spending. Retaining the cap will help manage public finances responsibly and ensure that benefits remain targeted and effective for those most in need.