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MPs to debate child maintenance reforms

Plans to scrap the Child Support Agency and replace it with a child maintenance agency will be debated by MPs later today. Iain Duncan Smith says plans to charge extra for lodging a complaint will help the Government cover costs.

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Controversial child maintenance reforms to be debated

Reforms to child maintenance payments between separated couples are due to be debated by MPs later today.

Reforms would allow the Government to keep 4% of all payments if there is a dispute. Credit: PA

The Government plans to replace the Child Support Agency with a new body which will charge parents £20 for using their services.

The work and pensions department says reforms will encourage parents to work out an arrangement between themselves and not get the state involved.

However, campaigners are worried plans will exacerbate already strained relationships.

Single parent charity Gingerbread will be handing a petition into Downing Street this afternoon.

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