Lords vote against child maintenance arrangement charges

A government proposal to charge single parents to use the Child Support Agency to arrange child maintenance has been voted against by a 142 majority in the House of Lords - 270 voting against the proposal while 128 voted in favour.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said they would try to have the vote overturned, saying "it is right and fair that there is a charge for using a service that can cost the taxpayer around £25,000 per case and almost half a billion pounds per year."

The government proposal was aimed at encouraging more parents to try to reach an agreement on child maintenance themselves without involving the government, and would have seen free information and initial advice for divorcing or separating couples to assess their options, and make their own arrangements. If couples opt to rely on the Child Support Agency they would be charged an upfront application charge of approximately £100.

If you live in Northern Ireland and require legal advice in respect of child maintenance, child contact, or on a separation or divorce, contact one of the family law solicitors at Wilson Nesbitt in Belfast by calling 0800 840 1363.

News Categories