Parents affected by systemic errors in the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) are calling for compensation of £20,000 each, as fresh figures reveal over 100,000 families have been left out of pocket. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has admitted that miscalculations in payments dating back to 2012 have caused significant financial hardship.
For single mother Laura Thompson, 34, from Rotherham, the error meant £4,500 in unpaid support over three years. “I was counting on that money for school uniforms, food, and heating. It’s not just paperwork, it’s my children’s wellbeing,” she said. The CMS is now reviewing 1.2 million cases but has only corrected about 60,000 so far.
The Child Maintenance Action Group, which represents affected families, argues that “admin errors” are not acceptable when children’s welfare is at stake. “This is not a technical glitch, it’s a breach of trust,” said the group’s spokesperson. “Parents need compensation that reflects the stress, debt, and missed opportunities they have suffered.”
Labour MP for Leeds West, Rachel Reeves, has tabled a parliamentary question demanding a full compensation scheme. “The government must pay back every penny plus interest, and ensure no family is left waiting any longer,” she said.
The DWP insists it has prioritised the most vulnerable cases and is working to clear the backlog. A spokesperson said: “We apologise for the distress caused and are committed to putting things right. Any parent who believes they have been underpaid should contact us.”
But for many, the apology rings hollow. “I’ve had to take out a payday loan to cover bills,” said Tony Adams, 41, a father from Newcastle. “I’m not asking for a handout, just what my kids are legally owed.”
The call for £20,000 compensation is based on estimates of average arrears plus damages for time and stress. As the cost of living crisis deepens, families argue that every penny counts. The government has not yet responded formally to the demand.
