A Comprehensive Analysis of the Ex-Prime Minister’s Call for Investigation into the £3.7 Billion Escalation of Child Maintenance Debt

Calls for reforming child support have increased due to concerns over inflated arrears and questions about due process. Ann Widdecombe, a former minister, has urged for a public enquiry into the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), citing evidence of incompetence. The CMS is responsible for managing child maintenance payments for separated parents and has faced criticism for its effectiveness in assessing paying parents and ensuring funds are received by primary carers. It inherited £3.7 billion in uncollected arrears from its predecessor, the Child Support Agency, in 2012. Various politicians, including Labour’s Sir Alan Campbell, have called for comprehensive reform and improved accountability in the child support system. Concerns have also been raised about the well-being of paying parents, with allegations of inflated assessments and potential suicides. Furthermore, it has been revealed that a significant portion of the alleged child support debt may be due to artificially inflated arrears. A scathing 2017 report by the National Audit Office exposed inaccuracies in arrears calculations and the DWP’s failure to correct debts. There are concerns that transferred arrears from previous schemes have further complicated the issue. Data reveals a high mortality rate among parents in arrears, suggesting a link between pressure from arrears and elevated risk of death. Questions have also been raised about the CMS’s powers, with no legal scrutiny of its calculations during court proceedings. A liability order obtained by the CMS grants enhanced enforcement powers, including the involvement of bailiffs, asset sales, and restrictions on travel or imprisonment.



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