Government introduces public consultation on the future of child maintenance

Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 15:31

Consultation closed

Now is the time to influence how child maintenance will work in the future.  1 in 3 families suffer family breakdown, so if members of your family  live apart, it is important that you give your views and experiences to influence some of the more dramatic proposed changes.  For instance, there is talk of families having to pay if they need state help to resolve issues around maintenance.

The government says this is all about parents taking responsibility for their families.  They say their plans propose to:

•    ‘encourage separating families to recognise their ongoing responsibility for their children after they separate;
•    enable parents to make their own, family-based arrangements;
•    deliver a more efficient statutory service for those who need it;
•    provide greater value for money for the tax payer, and
•    work closely with colleagues across government and with stakeholders in developing these proposals.’

The consultation is  available on line : http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/strengthening-families.pdf

You have until 7th April to respond by post or email – details below:

Child Maintenance Sponsorship and Strategic Policy Division
1st Floor,
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA
Email: strengtheningfamilies.consultation@dwp.gsi.gov.uk