Petition · Department for Work and Pensions

Make child maintenance deductions from earnings by default

Open for signatures 21 signatures

What the petition asks

We want child maintenance to be automatically deducted from earnings by default, similar to tax, National Insurance and pensions. This would provide reliable support for children, reduce conflict and prevent payments being delayed, withheld or used as leverage between parents.
Children should not miss out on financial support because of disputes or non-payment between parents. We want child maintenance to be automatically deducted from earnings by default, similar to tax and pension contributions. This would provide greater financial security for children, reduce conflict and remove the need for parents to repeatedly chase payments intended for their children. Children’s financial support should be automatic, not dependent on one parent choosing to pay.

Timeline

17 Jul 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 17 Jul 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.