Strangford MP Jim Shannon talks on Child Maintenance Service at Westminster
Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, was speaking recently in Parliament on the importance of revamping the Child Maintenance Service to ensure thousands of families are protected and that systematic failures are addressed to support parents across the whole of Northern Ireland.
He said: “It was a pleasure to attend this debate and speak on this issue. I would love to say that things are better in Northern Ireland, but unfortunately, we are still having the same issues.
“Speaking in the House I made clear that the statistics for Northern Ireland show that in March last year only 54% of parents were paying more than 90% of what they owe.
“That means that 46% of those who should be paying towards their children are not. It is quite clear that the system is falling, and single parent families are struggling.
“I asked the Minister if he agreed that a UK-wide overhaul is needed to address such worrying statistics, not just in Northern Ireland, but further afield in the UK.
“I look forward to seeing his commitment to families in Northern Ireland and working together to ensuring a fairer system for so many struggling families out there.”
Check out CMS for background information:
