South Cambridgeshire MP Heidi Allen starts attempts to change child maintenance laws

The Tory MP introduced a Bill to the House of Commons yesterday that will try to close a legal loophole.

South Cambridgeshire MP Heidi Allen yesterday (Tuesday) started the process of trying to change child maintenance laws.

Ms Allen introduced her Ten Minute Rule Bill to the House of Commons, seeking to make the rules the same for self-employed parents as it is for employed parents.

The Bill would build upon the work done through the Work & Pensions Select Committee as a consequence of Ms Allen bringing the issue to their attention.

Ms Allen told the Commons: “Essentially, when parents split up, the child maintenance service can help parents work out a fair payment schedule for the child.

“But if the errant parent wants to avoid paying, they can do so all too easily through hiding behind self-employed status. By hiding their income in dividends and assets, they are denying their child the financial support they deserve.”

She added: “My Bill seeks to close that loophole.”

A second reading is set for February.