Weir Voices Concern That Current Unfairness of Child Support Rules Will Continue Under New System

Mike Weir MP, SNP spokesperson on Work and Pensions, has expressed concerns that there will be three separate systems on child maintenance running at the same time after the introduction of the new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission which will increase the feeling of injustice of those who are stuck on the “old” rules.

Speaking during the Committee stage of the Child Maintenance bill in the Commons Mr Weir noted that there were already two different systems running side by side.

“The effect of this has been that two people with identical circumstances can be paying vastly different amounts depending on the date on which their case entered the system. That is patently unfair and has led to a great deal of bitterness amongst those in the system.

“The starting point of any redesign of the system must be that it is transparent fair and accepted by those whom it affects.

“This will not be achieved unless everyone is on the same system of calculation and is seen to be treated the same.

“It will be 2013 before all cases are transferred.  With the best will in the world, and given previous experience, it is highly likely that this timescale will slip. This means that the current unfairness within the system will continue for at least another seven years, and probably some time thereafter.”

Commenting afterwards Mr Weir said:

“The sad reality is that very few of those on the “old” system of child support will benefit from transfer to the new system.”