WHITE PAPER 
DRAFT
 Parental Contribution Service (PCS)
Proposed by Right First Time UK
© 2026 Right First Time UK.

 

WHITE PAPER - PRFCA

Parental Responsibility and Family Contributions Act (PRFCA)
Establishing the Parental Contribution Service (PCS)

Ministerial Foreword

Children benefit from the involvement and responsibility of both parents. 

This White Paper proposes a fair, affordable and transparent framework.

Executive Summary

PCS introduces fixed contributions, shared care recognition, affordability safeguards and independent oversight.

Why Reform Is Needed

To reduce complexity, disputes, reassessments and administrative burden.

Policy Objectives

Child welfare, affordability, transparency, compliance and shared responsibility.

Why Fixed Contributions?

Fixed rates improve predictability, transparency and voluntary compliance.

Affordability Principles

70% disposable income safeguard, annual reviews and rate freeze powers.

Child Welfare Principles

Child welfare remains the primary consideration throughout the framework.

Economic Impact

Expected reduction in administrative costs and improved compliance.

Comparison Report

Comparison of CMS and PCS models.

Implementation Plan

Consultation, pilot programme, evaluation and rollout.

Independent Pilot Programme

12‑month pilot across three representative regions.

Consultation Questions

Questions on rates, safeguards, shared care and implementation.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS ACT (PRFCA)

MASTER LEGISLATIVE STRUCTURE

Chapter WP1
Ministerial Foreword

Chapter WP2
Executive Summary

Chapter WP3
Constitutional Statement of Values

Chapter WP4
Why Reform Is Needed

Chapter WP5
Evidence Base

Chapter WP6
Policy Objectives

Chapter WP7
Why Fixed Contributions?

Chapter WP8
Affordability Principles

Chapter WP9
Child Welfare Principles

Chapter WP10
What PCS Is Not

Chapter WP11
Economic Impact Assessment

Chapter WP12
Current CMS vs PCS Comparison Report

Chapter WP13
Implementation Plan

Chapter WP14
Independent Pilot Programme

Chapter WP15
Consultation Questions

CHAPTER 1
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

Part 0
Constitutional Purpose Clause

Section 0.1 Purpose of Act
Section 0.2 Child Welfare Principle
Section 0.3 Shared Responsibility Principle
Section 0.4 Affordability Principle
Section 0.5 Interpretation Principle

Part 1
Foundational Principles

Section 1.1 Child First Principle
Section 1.2 Equal Responsibility Principle
Section 1.3 Fixed Contribution Principle
Section 1.4 Shared Care Principle
Section 1.5 Transparency Principle
Section 1.6 Evidence Based Principle
Section 1.7 Voluntary Compliance Principle

Part 2
Equal Responsibility Principle

Section 2.1 Shared Responsibility
Section 2.2 Parental Duties
Section 2.3 Child Welfare Duty

Part 2A
Affordability Principle

Section 2A.1 Affordability Duty
Section 2A.2 Disposable Income Protection
Section 2A.3 Economic Review

Part 3
Establishment of PCS

Section 3.1 Creation of PCS
Section 3.2 Legal Status
Section 3.3 Functions

Part 4
Functions of PCS

Section 4.1 Assessments
Section 4.2 Collection
Section 4.3 Reviews
Section 4.4 Appeals
Section 4.5 Administration

Part 4A
Why Fixed Contributions

Section 4A.1 Purpose
Section 4A.2 Transparency
Section 4A.3 Administrative Savings
Section 4A.4 Compliance Benefits

Part 5
Service Charges

Section 5.1 £1 Monthly Service Charge
Section 5.2 Exemptions
Section 5.3 Fee Restrictions

Part 6
Standard Contribution Rates

Section 6.1 Rate Structure
Section 6.2 One Child Rate
Section 6.3 Two Child Rate
Section 6.4 Three Child Rate
Section 6.5 Four Child Rate

Part 7
Benefits Protection

Section 7.1 Eligibility
Section 7.2 Benefit Rates
Section 7.3 Disability Exemptions

Part 7A
Low Income Working Rates

Section 7A.1 Eligibility
Section 7A.2 Assessment
Section 7A.3 Reduced Rates

Part 8
Contribution Caps

Section 8.1 Standard Cap
Section 8.2 Court Ordered Exceptions

Part 9
Shared Care Policy

Section 9.1 Shared Care Recognition
Section 9.2 Reduction Bands

Part 10
80/20 Arrangements

Section 10.1 Definition
Section 10.2 15 Percent Reduction

Part 11
Shared Care Definitions

Section 11.1 Overnight Stay
Section 11.2 Daytime Care
Section 11.3 Holiday Care
Section 11.4 Emergency Care

Part 12
Care Verification

Section 12.1 Acceptable Evidence
Section 12.2 Verification Standards

Part 13
Minimum Change Threshold

Section 13.1 Reassessment Rules
Section 13.2 Stability Protection

Part 14 Resident Child Reductions
Part 15 Subsequent Children Policy
Part 16 Parental Definitions
Part 17 Death of a Parent
Part 18 Reunification of Parents

Part 19 Variation Orders
Part 20 Travel Cost Variations
Part 21 Additional Needs Variations
Part 22 Special Contribution Orders
Part 23 Exceptional Circumstances

Part 24 Child Welfare Duty
Part 25 Additional Needs Protection
Part 26 Child Welfare Representation
Part 27 Protected Contact Policy
Part 28 Domestic Abuse Safeguards

Part 29 PCS Charter of Rights
Part 30 PCS Charter of Responsibilities
Part 31 Direct Child Expenditure
Part 32 Good Faith Protection
Part 33 Right to Representation

Part 34 Internal Reviews
Part 35 Appeals
Part 36 Mediation First Policy
Part 37 Time Limits

Part 38 Reminder Notices
Part 39 Final Contribution Notices
Part 40 Annual Compliance Assessment
Part 41 Repayment Arrangements
Part 42 Contribution Recovery Orders
Part 43 Recovery Limits

Part 44 Honesty and Disclosure
Part 45 Fraud Against Children
Part 46 Investigation Powers
Part 47 Administrative Penalties
Part 48 False Shared Care Claims

Part 49 Digital Evidence Portal
Part 50 Data Protection
Part 51 Accessibility
Part 52 Administrative Errors

Part 53 PCS Ombudsman
Part 54 Economic Review Board
Part 55 Performance Standards
Part 56 Annual Performance Indicators
Part 57 Public Accountability

Part 58 Transition Arrangements
Part 59 International Cases
Part 60 Automatic Closure at Age 18
Part 61 National Pilot Programme
Part 62 Five Year Review
Part 63 Parliamentary Sunset Review

Part 64 Contact Dispute Assistance
Part 65 Temporary Hardship Reductions
Part 66 Bonus and Windfall Exclusions
Part 67 Payment Holidays
Part 68 Young Parent Provisions
Part 69 Armed Forces and Essential Workers
Part 70 Annual Child Welfare Report
Part 71 Digital Receipts and Transparency
Part 72 Limitation Periods
Part 73 Economic Emergency Provisions
Part 74 Plain Language Guarantee
Part 75 Parliamentary Statement of Values
Part 76 PCS Motto
Part 77 Final Interpretation

Schedule 1
Standard Contribution Rates

Schedule 2
Benefits Contribution Rates

Schedule 3
Low Income Contribution Rates

Schedule 4
Shared Care Bands

Schedule 5
Resident Child Reductions

Schedule 6
Travel Cost Variations

Schedule 7
Additional Needs Variations

Schedule 8
Service Standards

Schedule 9
Pilot Programme Metrics

Schedule 10
Annual Performance Indicators

Chapter OM1
Case Management

Chapter OM2
Identity Verification

Chapter OM3
Contribution Assessments

Chapter OM4
Shared Care Verification

Chapter OM5
Travel Claims

Chapter OM6
Additional Needs Claims

Chapter OM7
Safeguarding

Chapter OM8
Reviews

Chapter OM9
Appeals

Chapter OM10
Compliance

Chapter OM11
Recovery Procedures

Chapter OM12
Complaints

Chapter OM13
Ombudsman Referrals

Homepage

About PCS

Contribution Calculator

Contribution Rates

Shared Care Guide

Travel Variation Guide

Additional Needs Guide

Review Requests

Appeals Process

Evidence Upload Portal

Payment Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact PCS

PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Parental Responsibility and Family Contributions Act

A Bill to establish a fair, affordable and transparent framework for parental contributions following 

separation; to establish the Parental Contribution Service; to provide for contribution assessments, shared care arrangements, variation orders, reviews, appeals, oversight and related matters.

PART 0

CONSTITUTIONAL PURPOSE

0.1 Purpose of the Act

The purpose of this Act is to promote the welfare of children through a fair, affordable and transparent 

system of parental contributions that recognises shared parental responsibility, encourages voluntary compliance, reduces conflict and protects the interests of children and families.

0.2 Child Welfare Principle

In exercising any function under this Act, all persons and bodies shall have regard to the welfare of the child as the primary consideration.

0.3 Shared Responsibility Principle

Parents shall share responsibility for the upbringing and welfare of their children in accordance with this Act.

0.4 Affordability Principle

Contributions assessed under this Act shall remain proportionate and affordable, having regard to the 

circumstances of both parents.

PART 1

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES

1.1 Child First Principle

The welfare of the child shall be the primary consideration in all decisions made under this Act.

1.2 Equal Responsibility Principle

Both parents shall share responsibility for supporting their children.

1.3 Fixed Contribution Principle

Contributions shall normally be assessed by reference to fixed contribution rates established under Schedule 1.

1.4 Shared Care Principle

The level of direct care provided by a parent shall be recognised through contribution reductions 

established under Schedule 4.

1.5 Transparency Principle

All assessments, decisions and notices shall be communicated in clear and accessible language.

1.6 Evidence-Based Principle

Decisions under this Act shall be based upon relevant evidence and shall be proportionate to the 

circumstances of the case.

PART 6

PARENTAL CONTRIBUTION PAYMENTS FRAMEWORK

SECTION 6.1

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Part is to establish a fair, affordable, transparent and predictable system of parental contributions.

Contributions shall:

• Promote child welfare.
• Encourage shared parental responsibility.
• Remain affordable.
• Be easy to understand.
• Reduce conflict.
• Encourage voluntary compliance.

SECTION 6.2

SERVICE CHARGE

Each parent shall pay:

£1 per month

Total service charge per case:

£2 per month

The service charge contributes towards administration of the Parental Contribution Service (PCS).

Parents receiving qualifying means-tested benefits may apply for exemption.

No additional:

• Application fees.
• Collection fees.
• Review fees.
• Appeal fees.

shall be charged.

SECTION 6.3

STANDARD CONTRIBUTION RATES

Standard contribution rates shall be based upon:

Current Child Benefit Rate
+
£10 per child per week

Illustrative Rates

1 Child

£37.05 per week

£160.55 per month

2 Children

£64.95 per week

£281.45 per month

3 Children

£92.85 per week

£402.35 per month

4 Children

£120.75 per week

£523.25 per month

SECTION 6.4

BENEFITS PROTECTION RATES

Parents receiving qualifying benefits shall pay reduced rates.

Qualifying Benefits

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-Based ESA
• Income-Based JSA
• Pension Credit

Weekly Rates

1 Child

£5

2 Children

£8

3 Children

£10

4+ Children

£12

SECTION 6.5

LOW-INCOME WORKING RATES

Where annual net income is below £20,000.

1 Child

£10 weekly

2 Children

£20 weekly

3 Children

£30 weekly

4 Children

£40 weekly

SECTION 6.6

AFFORDABILITY SAFEGUARD

A parent should normally retain at least 70% of disposable income after:

• Contributions.
• Recovery arrangements.
• Variation Orders.

Where this threshold would be breached, PCS may:

• Reduce contributions.
• Freeze increases.
• Apply temporary adjustments.
• Refer the matter for review.

SECTION 6.7

SHARED CARE REDUCTIONS

50/50 Shared Care

175-182 nights

Reduction:

100%

Contribution:

£0

40-49% Care

146-174 nights

Reduction:

75%

30-39% Care

110-145 nights

Reduction:

50%

20-29% Care

73-109 nights

Reduction:

25%

80/20 Care

Approx. 52 nights

Reduction:

15%

SECTION 6.8

RESIDENT CHILD REDUCTIONS

Where the contributing parent has other dependent children living with them.

1 Resident Child

10% reduction

2 Resident Children

20% reduction

3 Resident Children

30% reduction

4+ Resident Children

40% reduction

Maximum reduction:

40%

SECTION 6.9

TRAVEL COST VARIATIONS

Band A

£20–£40 weekly travel costs

Reduction:

5%

Band B

£41–£80 weekly travel costs

Reduction:

10%

Band C

Over £80 weekly travel costs

Reduction:

15%

Maximum travel reduction:

15%

SECTION 6.10

ADDITIONAL NEEDS VARIATIONS

Band A

Verified costs up to £25 weekly

Additional contribution:

£5 weekly

Band B

£26–£75 weekly

Additional contribution:

£10 weekly

Band C

Over £75 weekly

Additional contribution:

£20 weekly

SECTION 6.11

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION ORDERS

The Family Court may order additional contributions where:

• Exceptional needs exist.
• Severe disability exists.
• Long-term specialist care is required.
• Standard PCS rates are clearly inadequate.

Orders shall be reviewed every 24 months.

SECTION 6.12

ANNUAL RATE REVIEW

PCS rates shall normally increase in line with Child Benefit.

However increases shall not be automatic.

The PCS Economic Review Board shall consider:

• Earnings growth.
• Inflation.
• Housing costs.
• Energy costs.
• Food costs.
• Benefit rates.

Rates may be:

• Increased.
• Reduced.
• Frozen.

SECTION 6.13

RATE INCREASE PROTECTION

No increase shall take effect where evidence demonstrates that the increase would result in widespread affordability concerns.

The 70% Disposable Income Safeguard shall take precedence over automatic uprating.

SECTION 6.14

PAYMENT FREQUENCY

Parents may choose:

• Weekly payments.
• Fortnightly payments.
• Four-weekly payments.
• Monthly payments.

SECTION 6.15

PAYMENT METHODS

Payments may be made through:

• Direct Debit.
• Standing Order.
• Debit Card.
• Bank Transfer.
• PCS Online Portal.

SECTION 6.16

COMPLIANCE STATUS

95–100% Paid

Fully Compliant

80–94% Paid

Substantially Compliant

60–79% Paid

Partially Compliant

Below 60%

Non-Compliant

SECTION 6.17

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the PCS payment framework is to maximise voluntary compliance through affordability, transparency, predictability and shared responsibility while promoting the welfare of children.

CHAPTER 15

SPECIAL PROVISIONS, SAFEGUARDS AND FLEXIBILITY

PART 64

CONTACT DISPUTE ASSISTANCE

64.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Part is to recognise that disputes regarding child contact arrangements may affect family relationships and compliance.

64.2 Non-Linking Principle

Contribution obligations shall not automatically cease solely because contact arrangements are disputed.

64.3 Support Measures

Where a parent demonstrates persistent denial of agreed contact, PCS may:

• Recommend mediation.
• Signpost Family Court remedies.
• Provide information regarding parenting arrangements.
• Refer safeguarding concerns where appropriate.

64.4 Child Welfare

The welfare of the child shall remain the primary consideration.

PART 65

TEMPORARY HARDSHIP REDUCTIONS

65.1 Eligibility

Temporary hardship relief may be granted where a parent experiences:

• Redundancy.
• Serious illness.
• Domestic abuse relocation.
• Temporary homelessness.
• Fire, flood or similar emergency.
• Exceptional family crisis.

65.2 Relief Available

PCS may:

• Reduce contributions.
• Suspend contributions.
• Extend repayment arrangements.

65.3 Duration

Relief shall normally not exceed six months.

65.4 Review

Hardship arrangements shall be reviewed every three months.

PART 66

BONUS, GIFT AND WINDFALL EXCLUSION

66.1 General Rule

The PCS shall operate primarily upon fixed contribution rates.

66.2 Excluded Payments

The following shall not automatically increase contributions:

• Bonuses.
• Overtime.
• Gifts.
• Inheritance.
• Lottery winnings.
• One-off compensation payments.

66.3 Exceptional Cases

The Family Court may consider such matters only when determining a Special Contribution Order.

PART 67

PAYMENT HOLIDAYS

67.1 Eligibility

Payment Holidays may be granted where a parent experiences:

• Bereavement.
• Serious illness.
• Job loss.
• Domestic abuse.
• Significant family emergency.

67.2 Maximum Duration

A Payment Holiday shall normally not exceed eight weeks.

67.3 Arrears

Missed contributions may be transferred to an affordable repayment arrangement.

67.4 Child Welfare

Any decision shall have regard to the welfare of the child.

PART 68

YOUNG PARENT PROVISIONS

68.1 Scope

This Part applies to contributing parents under the age of eighteen.

68.2 Educational Priority

Education and training shall be prioritised.

68.3 Reduced Contribution

PCS may apply reduced contribution rates.

68.4 Review

The contribution shall be reviewed when the parent reaches eighteen years of age.

PART 69

ARMED FORCES AND ESSENTIAL SERVICE PERSONNEL

69.1 Purpose

This Part protects parents whose work requires unavoidable absence.

69.2 Covered Occupations

Examples include:

• Armed Forces.
• Police.
• Fire and Rescue Services.
• Ambulance Services.
• Offshore Workers.

69.3 Shared Care Protection

Temporary absences due to service requirements shall not automatically alter shared care calculations.

PART 70

ANNUAL CHILD WELFARE REPORT

70.1 Publication

PCS shall publish an Annual Child Welfare Report.

70.2 Contents

The report shall include:

• Compliance rates.
• Shared care statistics.
• Additional Needs Variations.
• Child poverty impacts.
• Child welfare outcomes.

PART 71

DIGITAL RECEIPTS AND TRANSPARENCY

71.1 Receipt Requirement

PCS shall issue a receipt for every payment.

71.2 Minimum Information

Receipts shall contain:

• Reference number.
• Date.
• Amount paid.
• Outstanding balance.
• Account status.

71.3 Digital Access

Receipts shall be available through the PCS Portal.

PART 72

LIMITATION PERIODS

72.1 Standard Limitation

Contribution arrears shall normally remain recoverable for six years.

72.2 Exceptions

The limitation period may be extended where:

• Fraud exists.
• Court orders otherwise.
• Deliberate concealment is proven.

PART 73

ECONOMIC EMERGENCY PROVISIONS

73.1 Trigger Events

The Economic Review Board may recommend special measures during:

• Recession.
• Exceptional inflation.
• National emergency.
• Significant economic disruption.

73.2 Measures

Recommendations may include:

• Rate freezes.
• Temporary reductions.
• Delayed uprating.
• Emergency affordability reviews.

73.3 Priority

Affordability shall take precedence over automatic uprating.

PART 74

PLAIN LANGUAGE GUARANTEE

74.1 Principle

All communications shall be written in clear and understandable language.

74.2 Requirements

Every PCS decision shall explain:

• The decision.
• The evidence.
• The calculation.
• Review rights.
• Appeal rights.

74.3 Accessibility

Alternative formats shall be available where required.

PART 75

PARLIAMENTARY STATEMENT OF VALUES

75.1 Parliamentary Recognition

Parliament recognises that children benefit from the involvement and responsibility of both parents.

75.2 Purpose

The purpose of this Act is not:

• To punish separation.
• To redistribute wealth.
• To determine child contact arrangements.

75.3 Purpose of Framework

The purpose of this Act is to provide a fair, affordable and transparent framework for parental contributions while promoting child welfare and shared parental responsibility.

PART 76

PCS MOTTO

The official motto of the Parental Contribution Service shall be:

"Shared Responsibility. Clear Contributions. Better Outcomes."

PART 77

FINAL INTERPRETATION

Where ambiguity exists, interpretation shall favour:

• Child welfare.
• Affordability.
• Transparency.
• Shared parental responsibility.
• Voluntary compliance.

END OF ACT