For split families, the Child Maintenance Service and the UK government base Child Maintenance on the "Non Resident Parent" (NRP) paying for 7 nights a week to the "Resident Parent". (RP)

If the NRP has the child, the payment is reduced according to the number of nights the child is in the RPs care:

• 1 night a week = 1/7 reduction.
• 2 nights = 2/7 reduction
• 3 nights = 3/7 deduction
• 3.4+ nights is a 3.5/7 deduction. (50%)

This calculation is based on the old fashioned assumption that the NRP (95% of time dad) goes out to work, and the RP (95% of time mum) stays at home and looks after the kids.

This practice stopped many years ago.

In the modern age of equality between sexes. RPs and NRPs should pay for their children equally on a 50/50 basis. Both RP and NRP where involved in creating their child.

NRPs and RPs both have costs in raising their child at home, such as clothing, food, entertainment, furniture, larger house etc.

Many NRPs are struggling financially as they love their children, however they are paying twice. Firstly for care whilst they are with them, and secondly when in the RPs care.

To show the financial difference, for two parents where both the NRP and the RP earn identical pay (£22k a year), and the NRP has their single child over 3.4 nights a week, the RP is over £423 a month better off than the NRP:

NRP:

• Income: £22,000 a year
• After Tax: £1582 a month.
• Less Child Maintenance payable to RP: £79 a month
• Total available income £1503 a month

RP

• Income: £22,000 a year
• After Tax: £1582 a month.
• Add Child Maintenance from RP: £79 a month
• Add Universal Credit £161
• Add Child Benefit £104
• Total available income: £1926 a month

I am asking for the UK government to accept that RPs and NRPs should pay equally for their children equally and amend the calculation to be based on 3.5 days each. 3.5 days each is 50% paid by RP and 50% paid by NRP.

The calculation should be:

• 1 night = 1/3.5 reduction
• 2 nights = 2/3.5 reduction
• 3 nights = 3/3.5 reduction
• 3.4+ nights = 3.5/3.5 reduction (100%)

Additionally NRPs cannot claim Child Benefit. This is only paid to the RP. Again this should be based on 50/50 split between the RP and the NRP. This would allow the NRP to claim benefits as required.