Rennie: Too many children and young people missing out on crucial financial support

Tens of thousands of Scottish children are being left without the financial support they are entitled to, figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats have shown. 

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request found that 22,760 parents were in arrears as part of their Child Maintenance Service (CMS) arrangements with the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have urged both of Scotland’s governments to work together to get a grip on the situation, which at its worst sees 180 children owed over £20,000 in support from a parent. 

In addition to making sure parents act responsibly, Scottish Liberal Democrats are committed to growing Scotland’s economy and creating more and better paid jobs to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. 

Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie said:

“No child should be left without the financial support they are entitled to.

"The fact that some are owed more than £20,000 suggests that both of Scotland’s governments are not doing enough to help families chase down what is owed.

“The SNP and the UK Government must get an urgent grip on this situation, whether that is by tracking individuals who are avoiding their responsibilities or helping those who find paying difficult to get their finances in order.

“We also need a growing Scottish economy with secure and well-paid work to avoid people finding themselves in this situation in the first place."