Help me petition the government to look at the Child Maintenance calculations for those who try to circumvent the rules

[Foxylikebingo]

I’ve put together a petition on the government website, calling for them to reassess how they calculate CMS for those who's income is outside of PAYE and I need 5 signatures for it to go live. If anyone is happy to sign, I’d really appreciate the help, once it’s published, I’ll share the proper link for anyone who’s interested.

At the moment, the system mainly looks at PAYE income, which doesn’t always reflect someone’s actual financial situation, especially if they’re self-employed or have income from things like property (such as landlords), dividends, or company benefits, it also doesn't take into account windfalls like inheritances. That can leave a lot of children missing out on support they should be receiving, as well as requiring taxpayers to pick up the slack.

With the way digital tax reporting works now, it’s much easier for the CMS to get a fuller picture of someone’s finances. The petition is just asking the Government to review the rules so assessments consider assets and non-PAYE income too, making it a bit fairer and more up to date.

If you’re happy to be one of the first five to get it started, thank you, it really helps.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751159/sponsors/new?token=tbNra6oZXUbNmYn9tkw9

Done

done!

Done!

How do we see what it is that you're proposing? I know you've written it in your OP but the link just takes us to signing but doesn't tell us what we are signing.

Thank you so much Mumsnet. I've got the 5 signatures it takes to get it into review before it goes live. It will take up to 20 signatures before it goes live- but I'll ask people to hold off until then so we can gather as much support as possible.

I'll update as soon as its live 💛

@HoskinsChoice I've phrased it as below, I think it's fair and hopefully would promote discussion within government.

Reassess CMS calculations to include assets and non-PAYE income for parents

We ask the Government to conduct a full review of (CMS) calculation rules for parents who are self-employed or work outside the PAYE system. We request a modernised, transparent assessment framework that reflects the true financial position of all parents, regardless of employment type.

Advances in technology, digital tax reporting, and improved financial visibility now make it possible to assess a range of income sources. We ask that CMS calculations take into account relevant financial assets such as property and landlord income, company shares and director benefits, as well as indicators of personal wealth such as vehicles, homes, and inherited assets. This would help ensure fair and consistent maintenance assessments, reduce opportunities for individuals to avoid their responsibilities through artificial income minimisation, and better support children in single-parent households.

Yeah, sorry, maybe I'm not explaining myself. I fully get what you're saying and agree with you. But your link takes you to a blank page that just asks for personal details and doesn't say what you're signing. I was trying to find the details you're submitting on the petition website. We could be signing anything!

Yes I found the same thing.

I’d love to sign the petition you have outlined, but it’s entirely possible the attached is for something else entirely.

If you have a link to a page with the details which then has a link to sign, can you post that?

Sorry I am not sure, that's the link they give you before it is formally published. It doesn't need anymore for now, they are formally reviewing it for publication-they say it can take a few weeks because of the backlog. Once it is published I'll post the full link and hopefully you'll feel more comfortable signing.

The petition finally got published, its here and you can see the full wording. Obviously its just to try to get MPs to debate the issue, so sorry if my wording doesn't cover everything! https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751159