'Disgraceful' that single-parent families are denied millions in maintenance cash

1.22.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Oct 2006

Castleragh Alliance Councillor, Sara Duncan

Castlereagh Alliance Councillor, Sara Duncan, has expressed her shock and disgust that over £58 million is owed to single-parent families in child maintenance cash. The child support agency has revealed that over £32 million of this money cannot be recovered.

Cllr Sara Duncan said: "It is disgraceful that over £58 million is owed to single-parent families. The fact that such a massive proportion of this money is unrecoverable shows how difficult it is for single parent families to get the financial support that they deserve.

"It can be very stressful bringing up children and all assistance possible must be provided to one-parent families.

"In many cases only one parent is taking responsibility and footing all the bills, and the other parent has got away without paying anything. This situation is disgraceful. Both parents should contribute financially to looking after their children.

"Unfortunately, the CSA have had a number of difficulties with their computer system and have had problems tracing absent parents. The government must address this matter urgently because single-parent families must be provided with the maintenance they deserve as soon as possible."

ENDS