Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Reassess CMS calculations to include assets and non-PAYE income for parents
Closed
93 signatures
What the petition asks
We ask the Government to conduct a full review of Child Maintenance System calculation rules for parents who are self-employed or work outside the PAYE system. We request a modernised, transparent assessment framework reflecting the true financial position of parents, regardless of employment type.
Advances in technology, digital tax reporting, and improved financial visibility now make it possible to assess a range of income sources. We ask that CMS calculations take into account relevant financial assets such as property and landlord income, company shares and director benefits, as well as indicators of personal wealth such as vehicles, homes, and inherited assets.
This would help ensure fair and consistent maintenance assessments, reduce opportunities for individuals to avoid their responsibilities through artificial income minimisation, and better support children in single-parent households.
This would help ensure fair and consistent maintenance assessments, reduce opportunities for individuals to avoid their responsibilities through artificial income minimisation, and better support children in single-parent households.
Timeline
| 16 Dec 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 16 Jun 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
93
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
16 Dec 2025
Closed
16 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 14 Aug 2026.