This consultation sought views on the Government’s strategy for reforming the child maintenance system. It was based on the Government’s principle of enabling parents to take responsibility for their families. To achieve this for child maintenance we are proposing to:

• encourage separating families to recognise their ongoing responsibility for their children after they separate;
• enable parents to make their own, family-based arrangements;
• deliver a more efficient statutory service for those who need it;
• provide greater value for money for the tax payer, and
• work closely with colleagues across government and with stakeholders in developing these proposals.

We wanted to hear from all who are interested in child maintenance issues. We particularly welcomed contributions from:

• parents who live apart
• representative organisations for parents who live apart or their children
• representatives of the legal profession
• organisations that represent families and children, and
• members of the general public with an interest in child maintenance issues.