Gingerbread

The Child Maintenance Service is not working for parents and it is not working for children. The government have received reports from @Gingerbread and the House of Lords Public Services Committee suggesting improvements - I asked when Ministers would bring those improvements.

⏰ Deadline: 30 April 2026 There are just a few days left to respond to the government’s flexible working consultation! Thank you to everyone who completed our survey and helped shape our response. If you would like to respond directly, visit: #consultation-details" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">gov.uk/government/con…

📢 From today, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage have increased across all age bands - a welcome boost for many single-parent families! More positive changes are coming this month, keep an eye on our page for updates.

There are around two million single parents in the UK, making up a quarter of all families with dependent children. Single-parent households are almost twice as likely to live in poverty. So it is essential that the Government takes action to ensure that these families get the support they need to prevent more children from growing up in poverty. I am calling on the Government, (including through a letter to the Department of Work and Pensions) to bring about much-needed reform to the Child Maintenance System. @Gingerbread #Children #SingleParents #Childcare

Today is #SingleParentsDay where we celebrate all single parents navigating daily trials and tribulations but doing incredibly rewarding work bringing up the next generation Big shout out also to @Gingerbread who have done amazing work supporting ever since "Cathy Come Home"

Last week, it was #SingleParentsDay! It was wonderful to meet with @Gingerbread and recognise the hard work of single parents. I have joined parliamentary colleagues in writing to the Govt about reform of the child maintenance service, which must work for both parent and child.

@BambosMP Thank you for standing with single parents🧡

Did you spot the Gingerbread badge at PMQs this week?🕵️ We were thrilled to see MPs show their support for single parents loud and proud ahead of Single Parents Day. Together, we’re making sure our voices are heard where it matters most.

When a public service not only allows but actively facilitates the abuse to continue… it is not just flawed, it is unjust.” @kirith_ae led an important debate yesterday on the #ChildMaintenanceService. Watch the recap: #player-tabs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/a6… #FixTheCMS

The government has launched a series of consultations about their plans to change work regulations, including flexible working, agency work, and fire/re-hire. These consultations are open until April and May. Find out more and make your voice heard. gov.uk/government/col…

@CommonsWorkPen & @CommonsEd have launched a joint inquiry on the Child Poverty Strategy. This is a key opportunity to share your views on whether the government’s plans go far enough. The deadline for responses is Friday 06 March 2026. More info here: gingerbread.org.uk/our-work/news-…

Alongside 65 other organisations, we're urging MPs to support this Bill. Every child deserves the best start in life, with a decent childhood that lays the foundations for a strong future. Ending the two-child limit is a vital step towards making that a reality.

Poverty has a devastating impact on young lives. Children are going without things they need to learn and grow, living in damp homes, struggling at school or facing isolation and stress.

Today the Bill to end the two-child limit starts to make its way through Parliament. This unfair policy is responsible for driving child poverty to its current record high.

Great to meet @stephenctimms to continue discussions from our November roundtable with single parents on the challenges they face with Universal Credit (UC). Encouraging to hear some issues are being considered in the UC review, and we look forward to meeting again soon.

The government has responded to the @LordsPublicSCom report on reforming the Child Maintenance Service. Find out which recommendations are being taken forward and what still needs to change for single parents in our latest news and views: gingerbread.org.uk/our-work/news-…

This closes a significant loophole in paternity leave, and Gingerbread is proud to have supported @CPJElmore with his Private Members Bill to secure this important change. Learn more: gingerbread.org.uk/our-work/news-…

📢 New measures laid in Parliament today will strengthen parental leave rights from 06 April 2026! The changes include a new day-one right to extended paternity leave for bereaved fathers and partners who lose their partner before their child’s first birthday. 1/2

You can find out more about the Child Poverty Strategy and our response here: gingerbread.org.uk/our-work/news-…

📣The government has released their Child Poverty Strategy. We know that children in single-parent households are twice as likely to live in poverty than those in couple-parent households, so removing barriers for single parents is vital.