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Single mothers could face DNA tests
Reform of the CSA is part of a new welfare bill |
The government is considering cutting the benefits of mothers who refuse to take a DNA test demanded by the CSA.
New welfare reforms will be outlined by Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling later this week.
They will include legislation to reform the much-criticised Child Support Agency.
The Daily Telegraph reports that among the proposals there will be a move to reduce the benefits of mothers who will not submit DNA samples to the CSA.
Penalties for non-payment will be increased |
The DNA tests will be used to establish paternity, which is only 70% certain if only one parent gives a blood sample.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Social Security could not confirm that DNA testing for mothers would be included in the legislation.
She said: "The bill will be published shortly, quite possibly tomorrow, and we will clarify its contents then. We cannot confirm these reports in any detail."
The bill is also expected to introduce new penalties to ensure compliance. It will also replace the existing formula for calculating payments with a simpler system.
The Telegraph reports that absent parents who give false information to the agency could face fines of up to £1,000.
Any threats to cut payments could face opposition from rebel backbenchers who voted against the government on its previous welfare reform bills.
A total of 54 Labour MPs voted against the bill in Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill earlier this month, rebelling over proposed cuts and the introduction of means testing to incapacity benefit.
The protest followed a previous rebellion in May when 65 Labour MPs voted against the same bill.
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29 Nov 99 | UK |
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DNA = Do Not Assume? |
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17 Nov 99 | UK Politics |
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CSA reform tops welfare bill |
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29 Nov 99 | UK Politics |
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DNA testing expanded |
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