The Centre for Separated Families

PRESS RELEASE

19.01.10 – For immediate release

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Tax system should recognise both parents

A leading charity has called for parenting to be recognised in the tax system even after parents have divorced or separated.

The Centre for Separated Families, a charity that works to help parents build co-operative relationships after separation, believes that the tax system could help bring about better outcomes for children.

The charity's Director Karen Woodall says: 

‘We believe that a recognition of parenthood through the tax and benefits system should be available to both parents after family separation. This would acknowledge and reward the ongoing responsibility of both mothers and fathers.'

The call comes as all the political parties debate family policy ahead of this year's general election. 

Ms Woodall said: 

‘A recognition and support of both mum and dad's input would signal to families that both parents are an essential part of children's lives and will result in higher levels of ongoing engagement.'

Currently, financial support such as Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits can only be paid to one household regardless of the parenting arrangements that may have been made.

Ms Woodall commented:

‘Our work, over the years, has shown us, time and again, that providing support to just one parent after separation gives both cause and permission for parents to disengage from their families.'

Ends.

Notes to the editor:

The Centre for Separated Families is a national charity working with and on behalf of families experiencing divorce and separation. 
 
The Centre offers information, support and advice to mothers and fathers, whatever their parenting status, and has a range of innovative education programmes to support co-operative parenting.
 
The Centre for Separated Families works with Government and other agencies to help deliver best practice in services delivered to separated families.
 
The Centre has a research programme and aims to inform and influence public policy through this and its direct work with families.

The Centre for Separated Families worked with the Department for Work and Pensions in helping to create the Child Maintenance Options service.