{"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/783301.json"},"data":{"type":"petition","id":783301,"attributes":{"action":"Child Maintenance Service to take essential living costs into account","background":"I petition the Government to reform CMS calculations so paying parents’ essential costs, including mortgage/rent, council tax and utilities, are considered. Child maintenance should remain protected, while assessments should also reflect the parent’s genuine ability to pay fairly and realistically.","additional_details":"At present, CMS calculations are based on gross income, with limited consideration of a paying parent’s essential household expenditure costs such as mortgage/rent, utility bills and other basic household cost. These significantly reduce the income actually available to meet a maintenance liability.\r\n\r\nI recognise Child maintenance is vital. However, a more sustainable system should take into account whether the paying parent can meet their own basic living costs after paying maintenance.","committee_note":null,"state":"rejected","signature_count":6,"created_at":"2026-09-30T05:30:18.560Z","updated_at":"2026-10-21T18:21:31.066Z","rejected_at":"2026-10-21T18:21:29.250Z","opened_at":null,"closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-10-03T06:09:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":{"code":"duplicate","details":"You may wish to sign this petition which calls for a similar action: Review CMS Payments To Ensure Fairness For Paying Parents and Children https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/770444"},"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[],"topics":[]}}}