The CSA is dead - long live CMEC

In July 2008 the much derided Child Support Agency (CSA) was finally consigned to oblivion. In its place, we now have the shiny new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC). But what does that mean in practical terms?

One of CMEC’s first jobs will be to clear up the mess left behind by the CSA.

Once that’s completed, CMEC will encourage parents to enter into their own voluntary maintenance arrangements if possible and the new body is obliged to offer parents information and guidance to help them make such arrangements. Importantly, those claiming benefits will no longer be forced to apply to the CSA for maintenance.

A new Child Maintenance Options Service has been set up to help parents decide whether and how they can reach a voluntary agreement; or whether they should go through the statutory scheme.

The way maintenance is to be calculated will also change. The absent parent’s gross income will be used instead of net income and the percentages of gross income used to work out payments have changed too. Two sets of percentages will now be used depending on the number of children and the level of income of the absent parent.

CMEC also has the ability to toughen up on enforcement.  For example, an absent parent may be forced to surrender their passport or be subject to a curfew.

Naturally, given the chaos CMEC is inheriting, this won't happen overnight, but all the changes should be in place by 2011.

For further information contact Helen Saggers.

The information given in this article is of a general nature only and should not be considered as advice applicable to any particular situation for which specific request should be made to us.

"I have found all aspects of the Probate Team to be excellent - the staff have been highly efficient and friendly."
Mrs Joyce Kirk of Cambridge

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