BENEFITS SYSTEM AND SHARED PARENTING

Early day motion 61, tabled 18 November 2009 by Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 34 members.

That this House notes that child benefit can only be paid to one parent; further notes that this unnecessarily discriminates against the other parent where parents are separated and maintain shared custody of children; further notes that this can further discriminate against one parent by preventing access to suitable housing and additional income to allow them to provide for children; further notes that this can lead to restricted access for one parent to see their children; and calls on the Government to take action to address these problems.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 10, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Scottish National Party 1.