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Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill

I support the intention of the noble Lords, Lord Kirkwood and Lord Addington, to explore the purposes of the Bill with their proposed new clause, which puts the child right at the centre. Noble Lords will be aware that the church has always believed that the best environment for children is one where the parents love each other and support each other in the parenting. Of course, it taxes many of us in society and the church in particular—the clergy and the lay leaders—when we see couples’ marriages break down. However, with an increasing number of parents separating, it is essential that we get right the support and encouragement that we give parents in finding a workable solution in the best interests of the child. It is a shame that the Bill is not more comprehensive in that it does not make a clear statement about the focus of these reforms—that is, to improve outcomes and the well-being of children. In focusing only on the mechanisms of child maintenance, surely it deals with only one part of the package which is needed to help parents to work together to help children to flourish. I would support a move to put the needs of the child right at the start of the Bill to remind parents and agencies what this is trying to achieve. I heard what the noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, said about shopping lists but I still support the noble Lord, Lord Kirkwood.