Lifestyle vs Responsibility; Some parents live comfortably whilst their children go without the basics

Some parents pay as little as £83 per month per child, while the real cost of essentials is £300 – £350. That’s food, school meals, shoes, haircuts, dental care, and basic hobbies.

Meanwhile, some parents live comfortably, declare “low income” on paper, and avoid responsibility. Children are underfed, under-supported, and missing out — and it’s financial abuse.

The cost-of-living crisis makes it worse: rising food prices, energy bills, and school costs mean families are forced to cover the gap.

It’s time to demand a stand rate of £300 per month per child.

No exceptions. No loopholes.

 Share your story. Sign the petition. Children deserve better.

The Reality of “Low Income” on Paper

Some self-employed parents, small business owners, or sole share holders declare low income to pay minimal child support.

Clever accounting can make this look legal, even when the reality is very different.

Many business owners structure accounts to show low taxable income while holding significant cash, assets, or profits in the business.

Side hustles, online stores, property income, and other undeclared revenue streams often aren’t counted in CMS calculations.

Result: Some parents pay almost nothing while living comfortably.

Not All Parents Are Exploiting the System

Not all business owners avoid their responsibilities. Many provide fully for their children, often going above and beyond.

The Numbers Behind the Problem

• Over 1.1 million children in Great Britain are covered by CMS arrangements.

• The CMS manages ~790,000 maintenance arrangements in 2025.

• About 32% of parents using Collect and Pay paid no maintenance at all in a quarter.

• 69% paid something, but often far below the £300 – £350 per month needed for basic essentials.

Many children are left with less than they need — even when a parent earns more than reported.

The Real Cost of Raising a Child Today

Essential monthly costs per child add up to £300 – £350, before extras like braces, therapy, or hobbies:

 Lifestyle vs. Responsibility

While children go without basics, some parents enjoy:-

• Designer clothes, gadgets, luxury holidays

• Expensive vehicles and property

• Side businesses, dividends, and undeclared income

The Cost-of-Living Crisis Makes It Worse

With inflation, soaring food prices, and energy bills, £83 per month is completely inadequate. Children are left:-

• Underfed

• Without proper clothing or shoes

• Missing dental care, braces, and hygienist appointments

• Deprived of hobbies and extracurricular activities

Families already struggling must fill the gap, while the other parent maintains a comfortable lifestyle.

This Is Financial Abuse

This isn’t just numbers on paper, it’s financial abuse. Children’s basic needs, food, education, health, clothing, hobbies, cannot wait for accounting tricks.

Notional Income Matters

The CMS can calculate notional income’s a parent could be earning. Without it, children lose out and loopholes are exploited.

 The Bottom Line

• Essential monthly costs: £300 – £350 per child

• Amount some parents pay: £83

• Result: Children are underfed, under-supported, missing school meals, shoes, haircuts, dental care, hobbies, and proper clothing

• Lifestyle vs obligation: Clear and undeniable

Children deserve support, stability, and the chance to thrive, not a parent’s luxury lifestyle at their expense.

It’s time for a standards rate of £300 per month per child, no exceptions.

We need accountability, legal reform, and collective action. Share your stories, sign petitions, and push for change, our children cannot wait.

Deanna Newell Family Law

Advocacy for truth-tellers, survivors, and the children who deserve better