Meeting with Vince Cable MP

At the beginning of April, Gingerbread staff member Philippa and two single parents met with their local MP Vince Cable to discuss the government proposals to introduce charging for the child maintenance service. Single parents, Christine and Angela had already written to Vince Cable as part of Gingerbread’s campaign.
 
‘We were all a bit nervous, but they spoke candidly and honestly about their experiences of trying to secure financial support for their children from their ex-partners and the importance of being able to access the CSA when things go wrong. Christine and Angela needed to use the CSA when their voluntary arrangements broke down. They said what difference regular payments made and the sort of things they spent the money on. Both felt that charging would stop single parents going to the CSA at a time when they struggling financially and most needed help.’
 
‘Vince Cable said that their stories were powerful examples of how the proposals will impact on single parents and their children and has promised to write to the Minister Maria Miller detailing our concerns.’
 
It can feel intimidating going to see your MP but remember they are your elected representative, and are there to listen to your concerns and to help you. You don’t have to go on your own; maybe you are a part of Gingerbread group or know other single parents and you can visit your MP as a group. Now is the ideal time to go speak with your MP before the government makes any final decisions. There is a still window of opportunity to get your voices heard and influence government’s thinking on this issue.
 
Most MPs hold their constituency surgery on Fridays, you should be able to find out information online or by calling your MPs office.