Response from my MP Andrew Cooper who is supportive of the situation

Thanks for signing our petition. Please do share it. These things only get traction upon sharing by many people.

My MP, who is supportive of the situation, has now written to Janet Daby MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, Families and Wellbeing, to raise the concerns of how families in many situations are unfairly discriminated against.  

Thank you for any support you can offer. 

Please write to your own MP if you agree too, or if you’re affected. 

His email: 

Thank you again for getting in touch and for taking the time to outline your family’s experiences in such detail. I appreciate how complex and challenging your situation is, and I recognise the strength it must take to navigate these issues while continuing to support your children.

I have now written to Janet Daby MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, Families and Wellbeing, to raise the concerns you shared with me. In my letter, I highlighted the impact of the High Income Child Benefit Charge, the way student maintenance loans are calculated in blended families, and the broader inconsistencies that arise between different parts of the system. I made clear that these issues are affecting not just your family, but others in similar situations who may also feel that current policies do not reflect the realities of modern family life.

I have asked the Minister whether the government intends to review how blended families are treated across areas such as child benefit, tax, and higher education support, and whether any relevant consultations or reforms are planned. I will, of course, keep you updated on any response I receive.

Thank you once again for sharing your experience. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything further I can help with in the meantime.

Best wishes, 

Andrew Cooper
Labour Member of Parliament for Mid Cheshire

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