House of Lords

Campaign update – we take the fight to the House of Lords

On 28 November, Gingerbread spearheaded a debate on CSA charges in the House of Lords. Using your voices as evidence, we told decision-makers that the charges will rob children of money they need for a decent start in life.

Former Lord Chancellor to Margaret Thatcher, Lord Mackay, is defiantly against the charges and tabled an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill under debate in the House of Lords. The amendment would stop the government from charging parents with care who can’t make a voluntary agreement with their ex-partner, and rely on the CSA as their only way of gaining child maintenance.

Speaking during the debate, Lord Mackay said: “When a woman, as a typical example, has taken all reasonable steps and done all she can to reach an agreement and cannot manage it, I do not agree that she should be charged by the CSA for her application… That is utterly unfair.” He concluded: “It is purely a matter of justice and fairness and nothing else.” 

Lord Mackay was backed by a number of other influential members of the House, and your comments and concerns were at the heart of discussions. A powerful letter from a single parent to her MP was read out which described how betrayed she felt by the government – a sentiment shared by many of our members.

The continued pressure of Gingerbread, our members and our supporters may be starting to make headway in this crucial battle, and Lord Mackay vowed that “unless some change of heart occurs” he will call on all Peers to defeat the Government, when they have a chance to vote on the Bill probably after Christmas. Gingerbread will be there every step of the way to ensure single parents’ voices are heard. 

Read the full transcript of the debate.

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