Just found this very interesting information on the Nuffield Foundation web site:-
This project will provide the first look at what removal of compulsory Child Support Agency (CSA) involvement has meant for single parents. The rules were changed in October 2008, which means that currently single parents are able to choose whether to:
? use the CSA to pursue child maintenance from their former partner;
? make their own voluntary child support arrangement with their ex; or
? not seek child maintenance at all.
This implies that the PWC should not be financially penalised for opting out, but from other posts found here, it is still going on.