The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to parents as new rules regarding Child Maintenance payments are set to take effect this month. The government’s initiative aims to expedite the enforcement process for parents who consistently neglect their financial obligations towards their children.
Following consultations, the DWP has proposed reforms to streamline the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), intending to accelerate the recovery of payments from parents who persistently flout their responsibilities. One significant change includes the elimination of the £20 application fee, making the application process free for all from February 26, 2024.
It is estimated that these modifications will impact approximately 10,000 parents each year, marking a pivotal shift in the enforcement of child support payments, as reported by Manchester Evening News.
The proposed alterations also aim to significantly reduce the duration required to obtain a liability order, slashing the processing time from approximately 22 weeks to just six to eight weeks. Additionally, in certain dormant cases, the CMS will waive minor debts amounting to less than £7, which would typically be closed.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, emphasized the government’s commitment to holding delinquent parents accountable, stating, “Those who shirk the financial responsibilities they have for their children must be quickly held to account.” He further highlighted the urgency of the reforms, underscoring the imperative to create a fairer system for parents and, most importantly, for children.
DWP Minister Viscount Younger echoed these sentiments, affirming the vital role of the Child Maintenance Service in supporting children across the UK. He stressed the importance of accessibility to the CMS, particularly for families facing financial hardship, emphasizing that the removal of application fees ensures that the most vulnerable families can adequately provide for their children.
The impending changes signify a concerted effort by the government to enhance the effectiveness of child support enforcement mechanisms, ultimately striving to safeguard the well-being and financial stability of children nationwide.
