Chloe Smith MP encourages constituents to speak out about Child Maintenance

Chloe Smith MP is asking local residents to take part in a public consultation this month on the future of the Child Maintenance system.

 

Since she was first elected Chloe Smith MP has heard from many constituents who have experienced a variety of problems with their child maintenance case being handled through the Child maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC), formerly the Child Support Agency (CSA).

 

As a result of this feedback Chloe contacted the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller MP, who has responsibility for the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, earlier this year to discuss the issues most commonly raised by constituents.  Today Chloe received a six page response from the Department for Work and Pensions, clarifying and considering the highlighted complaints.  

 

The Government are reforming the CMEC.  As part of these reforms a public consultation on the Child Support Maintenance Calculations Regulations 2012 was recently launched.  These regulations will provide most of the detailed rules for calculating statutory child maintenance under the new scheme which is intended to be introduced later this year.  Chloe is keen to see local people taking part in this consultation before the closing date of 23 February 2012.  The proposed regulations, detailed consultation document and other related items can be viewed at:

 

www.childmaintenance .org/en/publications/consultations.html

 

Speaking about the CMEC, Chloe Smith comments:

 

‘Urgent reform is badly needed to better help children living in separated families.  I strongly urge anyone who has used the CMEC or CSA in recent years and has ideas on how it should be changed to help influence this reform by taking part in this consultation.  This is your opportunity to have your say from Norwich on this service.’