Activists encourage MPs to oppose child welfare reforms

April 8, 2011

Organisations that are against the announced reforms to the Child Support Agency are attempting to gain support for their cause from MPs, who they hope may be convinced into changing their minds on the issue.

Organisations making this plea to MPs include Gingerbread, Citizens Advice, the Child Poverty Action group and the Children’s Society, all of which have been very vocal about why they feel these changes will do nothing but harm families. In addition, the family law firm Resolution is also involved.

The changes in question come under the Welfare Reform Bill, and will mean that in addition to having to pay £100 to get help with regard to maintenance claims, parents will also have to prove to the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (which will take the place of the Child Support Agency under the reforms) that they have already attempted to get the other parent to agree to child maintenance payments before their case is taken on.

In the paper the organisations sent out to MPs, the problem they see – that many parents will be unable to negotiate with each another to come to an adequate arrangement and may be unable to afford the fee – is clearly outlined, which they hope will expose the flaws in the plans to those reading it.

The controversial Welfare Reform Bill received its second reading on the 9th of March, although the changes will not come into power until 2012. Those opposing it hope they can convince enough MPs before then to voice their concerns.

Comments

  • Terry says:

    I can see both sides to this.
    In my case it would truley help me. I am stuck with paying £127 a week on CS1 rules. I tried to get a private agreement with my ex of £60 a week that CS2 would ask me for but because she is seeing the £ signs she refused. If this reform was in place she would not want to pay out the money so would be more likely to agree a private agreement. Even if she didnt then the new amounts (12% of gross) is better for me. It works out at £67 a week.
    This reform would put a stop to the evil pwc (not saying all are just some) that use the CSA as a weapon and money making machine.

  • John says:

    I have been on both sides of the CSA as a pwc and nrp.

    Parents of children should be made to attend the local benefits office and thrash a maintenance agreement out, without CSA involvement.

    The one sided views by the above list of organisations in this article does not reflect the fact that the nrp is being criminalised and discriminated against by CSA case workers with vested interests in performance related pay. They don’t care how they obtain their pay and bonuses as long as they make it appear that the money is flowing for the government, who turn, ‘turn a blind eye’!

    There is no mention whatsoever of the persecuted nrp!

    The CSA is a complete shambles and is not fit for purpose!

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