Why does child maintenance stop at university?
The recent Panorama investigation highlighted serious concerns about the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).
This was particularly around the collection of payments and growing arrears.
However, another issue deserves attention.
It is the fact that child maintenance and Child Benefit normally stop when a young person starts university.
This policy makes little sense in today's world.
University is often the most expensive stage of a young person's education.
Maintenance loans frequently fall short of covering accommodation, food, travel and study costs, especially in cities such as London.
As a result, many students remain heavily dependent on parental support throughout their degree.
Yet, under current rules, a non-resident parent's legal obligation to contribute ends just as costs begin to reach their highest level.
The financial burden then falls almost entirely on the parent with whom the student normally lives.
This creates an unfair situation for children of separated parents.
In many households where parents remain together, both continue to support their children financially through university.
Children from separated families, however, can lose a significant source of support at a crucial time.
Turning eighteen does not automatically make someone financially independent.
If society encourages young people to pursue higher education, support systems should reflect that reality.
A sensible reform would be to continue CMS payments, perhaps at a reduced rate, until the completion of a first degree.
Doing so would help students focus on their studies, reduce pressure on single-parent families and ensure that children are not disadvantaged simply because their parents no longer live together.
John Jones
Russet House
Birch Close
York
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Who will come shopping if the shops vanish?
The parking charges on Goodramgate and elsewhere in the city that are causing grief to the few remaining traders could perhaps be alleviated by the tourist tax windfall that has been announced.
Then again, why will people come to York for a day's shopping if there are no shops?
Joanne Ellis
Charlton Street
York
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Derek Reed deserves a regular column
I reckon it is high time The Press gave Mr Derek Reed the column of his own that he so richly deserves.
Mary Morton
Hob Moor Drive
Holgate
York
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If York raises it, York should spend it
Rachael Maskell says that revenue raising York via the tourist tax should be spent in York.
The York Mayor, David Skaith, says monies should be spread around North Yorkshire.
Why complicate things?
Let Middlesbrough, Scarborough, Harrogate, Malton, Whitby et al introduce their own taxes and spend their own revenue.
Keep it simple guys.
Nigel Cummings
Charlton Street
York
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Why we should be afraid - very afraid
With the budget due in a few weeks and Burnham and Healey in charge.
My only comment is - Be afraid, be very afraid.
Mick Horsman
Moorland road
York
What do you think?
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