Reform Child Maintenance Service, strengthen processes to protect paying parent

Open for signatures 1,032 signatures

What the petition asks

Reform CMS by calculating maintenance using net income, tax maintenance as income for the receiving parent, allowing reductions for denied contact, mandatory auditable arrears explanations, cease liability at 16, ensure due process before deductions, prosecute false declarations by either parent.

We think the CMS lacks transparency, proportionality and due process and that it operates in favour of the receiving parent. Calculated on gross income, weak due process and opaque enforcement can disproportionately impact paying parents. Unexplained arrears, deductions and reasons can cause financial distress, instability and documented mental health issues. Reform is needed to align with basic tax principles, administrative justice, and accountability, while preventing misuse of the system.

Timeline

6 Feb 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,032

Status Open for signatures

Department Department for Work and Pensions

Opened 6 Feb 2026

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