The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could introduce a significant change to the Child Maintenance Service that would impact all 1.1 million children currently covered by the system. A petition on the Labour Party Parliamentary website is calling for a reform that would allow child maintenance deductions from wages without the paying parent being notified.
Petition details
The petition, created by Wendy De Souza, urges the government to "allow child maintenance payslip deductions without notifying the paying parent." It closes on 5 August 2026. The petition states: "Change the law to allow the Child Maintenance Service to issue calculations and apply deductions directly from wages without notifying the paying parent. This could rely on HMRC, employer and DWP records alone without needing to identify a 'last known or notified address'.
"Currently, paying parents must be notified of CMS calculations at their last known or notified address. Parents can delay child maintenance simply by refusing to confirm an address. This loophole delays many children's support. We think this legislative reform is essential to ensure every child receives the financial support they are legally entitled to."
Petition thresholds
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition remains open until 5 August 2026.
Child Maintenance Service overview
Child maintenance covers how a child's living costs will be paid when one parent does not live with the child. It applies when parents have separated or never been in a relationship. According to the latest DWP figures, 1.1 million children are involved in the CMS system.
The Child Maintenance Service cannot be used if there is an existing consent order approved by a court that is less than a year old.
Contact information
Parents can contact the Child Maintenance Service through their online account or by phone at 0800 171 2345. For Welsh language support, call 0800 232 1979. Relay UK users (for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone) can call 18001 then 0800 171 2345. Helplines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
