More than 1,000 parents received suspended prison sentences who refused to pay child maintenance in the 12 months to the end of June, according to new figures.
The Child Support Agency (CSA) also collected or arranged a total of £1.15 billion in the same period, which included £123 million in recovered arrears.
The statistics, published on 27 July, also showed that outstanding child maintenance arrears stood at £3.7 billion in June 2011. Of the arrears cases, 82 per cent involved sums of £5,000 or less, although these only accounted for 22 per cent of the total monetary value.
A total of 868,700 children are now benefiting from CSA payments, which the CSA said was a record. Work and Pensions Minister Maria Miller said: "Most separated parents want to support their children without interference from the state. But there is still an irresponsible hardcore trying to avoid their legal duty.”
Sarah Atkinson, an associated in Gregg Latchams’ Family department and a member of family law association Resolution, said: “When parents part, their children need to come first in any arrangements they make, including financial settlements.
“By accepting that from the outset – and also understanding that paying child maintenance is non-negotiable – all those involved can focus on arriving at an appropriate figure, minimising stress, time and expense for everyone.
“Resolution’s non-confrontational approach to family problems is particularly useful in reaching solutions in child maintenance matters.”
For more information, please contact the Family department.
