DRACONIAN CHILD SUPPORT MEASURES

As the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill is debated in Parliament, Resolution is calling for an urgent rethink on draconian punitive measures on child support.

The Bill gives powers to civil servants to confiscate the driving licence or passport of individuals who they believe are behind with their child maintenance payments without the need to obtain a Court Order.

Chair of Resolution’s Child Support committee Kim Fellowes said: “We agree with the government’s aim that all parents meet their pastoral and financial responsibilities toward their children. However it is well known that the administration of child support in this country is riddled with errors and bureaucratic failures. Until the system is fixed, running smoothly and has public confidence there can be no justification for not allowing a right to challenge such draconian measures in the courts. This measure was rejected by Parliament when the Government tried to include it in a review of the child support system last year. It is incredible that they are now seeking to reintroduce it in the context of a new Bill entirely, and we urge them to reconsider.”