Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Strengthen enforcement of child maintenance for absent parents
Open for signatures
34 signatures
What the petition asks
Require the Child Maintenance Service by law to take automatic enforcement action after two missed payments, including automatic bank account deductions, travel restrictions for parents with arrears who move abroad, and mandatory review of self-employed income based on assets and lifestyle evidence.
Too many parents are able to avoid paying child maintenance for extended periods by declaring low self-employed income or moving abroad.
Although enforcement powers exist, they are not applied quickly or consistently, allowing arrears to build and leaving children without the financial support they are entitled to.
A clear legal requirement for automatic enforcement after repeated missed payments could close loopholes, reduce delays, and ensure consistent action is taken to support children.
Although enforcement powers exist, they are not applied quickly or consistently, allowing arrears to build and leaving children without the financial support they are entitled to.
A clear legal requirement for automatic enforcement after repeated missed payments could close loopholes, reduce delays, and ensure consistent action is taken to support children.
Timeline
| 15 May 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
34
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
15 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.