We call on the Government to reform Child Maintenance Service (CMS) rules so payments are based on a parent’s total income, including benefits, not just earnings.

Currently, a working parent earning around £2,000 per month may pay about £240 per child, per month while a parent receiving a similar amount through benefits pays only a flat rate of around £7 per week. This creates unfairness and reduces the financial support children receive. The cost of raising a child does not change based on where a parent’s income comes from. CMS calculations should reflect the full financial position of both parents to ensure fairness and better support for children.