Reform Child Maintenance: Introduce a set weekly rate per child

Background

Replace current income-based percentage system with a standardized set weekly rate per child. We think this would ensure all children receive a fair & consistent amount of support, regardless of their parent’s employment status or career success, while preventing excessive charges on working parents

Additional details

In our view, the current system is unfair as non-workers or those on benefits often pay a flat rate of just £7 per week, while working parents can be charged extreme amounts—sometimes over £350 per week for the same number of children. We believe that a child’s basic needs do not fluctuate this wildly based on a parent’s salary. We call for a fixed rate that reflects the true cost of raising a child. This could remove the "work penalty," simplify the system, and ensure equal financial value for every child.

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