Clause 4
Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill
3:30 pm
Paul Rowen (Shadow Minister, Work & Pensions; Rochdale, Liberal Democrat)
The purpose of the amendments is to expand on the clause. I do not believe that they are controversial. They would make it clear that there are two means by which child maintenance can be paid: by voluntary means or by the statutory scheme. Although we understand why the Government wish to promote the use of the voluntary scheme—if parents can come to an agreement about child maintenance that is obviously the preferable means of agreeing a way forward—there are times when that is not the case. We want the Bill to give equal weight and substance to the voluntary and the statutory schemes.
Many parents find it impossible to reach a voluntary agreement because they end up in very difficult relationships. For example, 35 per cent. of lone parents experience violence in their relationship and in such circumstances there is no way in which a voluntary scheme will work. As we discussed, a voluntary arrangement is suitable only if both parties agree to it.
The amendment would ensure that maintenance is promoted and that people are made aware, through the information systems that will be set up, that equal weight will be given to the voluntary and to the statutory scheme. It is important to ensure that a parent in difficult circumstances who has been subject to domestic violence is fully aware of their statutory entitlement and of what CMEC can do to ensure that that entitlement is delivered.