DWP launches 'crackdown' on parents who have 'shirked' financial responsibility

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced a new "clampdown" on parents who refuse to take financial responsibility for their children. These changes will make the system fairer by speeding up enforcement action and getting money to children, the DWP said.

New action from the DWP will detect non-paying parents proposed as part of shakeup of Child Maintenance Service and the changes will make system fairer by speeding up enforcement action and getting money to children.

Work and Pension Secretary Mel Stride said in a statement today (Wednesday May 8) after the crackdown was announced: "We are clamping down on those who try to shirk their financial responsibilities." The clampdown includes ending the option of direct payments between parents through the CMS.

READ MORE UK tourists in Spain risk £5,000 fines over little-known '200 litre' water rule

It means if parents do not pay it will be detected and enforcement action can be taken sooner. Mr Stride said: "Most parents strive to give their children the best start in life, but sadly this isn’t always the case.

“This is why we are clamping down on those who try to shirk their financial responsibilities. This and tough new laws will help ensure every child gets the financial support they deserve.” DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said: “The majority of parents want to do the right thing and support their children.

“However, in the case of the minority of parents who fail to meet their responsibilities, avoiding paying what they owe, these plans along with new enforcement powers will enable us to act faster.” The Government has also removed the £20 application fee to use the CMS, making all applications to the CMS free, to ensure no child misses out on vital support.

Child maintenance payments from both CMS and family-based arrangements help to keep 160,000 children out of poverty each year, the government department has also explained.