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STOPSuicides – Launches “It Just Takes Seconds Campaign.” Get your CMS Info!

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IT JUST TAKES SECONDS for people stressed out by Child Maintenance Service to request the data that the CMS holds on them under GDPR regulations through a Subject Access Request. Why would anyone complain, go to appeal or ICE without having knowledge of the potential mistakes the CMS and their failing to calculate properly (for many people) IT systems.

So STOPS have launched our “It Just Takes Seconds” Campaign to get CMS victims to see what information CMS holds on them by clicking on this link. It is really easy. Before you get stressed be better informed:

https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/personal-information-request/name

Mistakes CMS ‘customers’ have discovered already by inspecting the documents received:

  • Incorrect addresses for notifications from case initiation
  • Notification processes not followed
  • ICE being misinformed by CMS
  • Direct Payments made but arrears building as CMS cannot calculate what has been paid to RPs
  • CSA incorrect arrears carried across to CMS and enforcement actions despite not owing the funds
  • Tribunal results not applied to calculations
  • CMS staff unable to reimburse collection fees
  • HMRC data utilised that is years out of date
  • System failures on document uploads (information partly or fully missing)
  • Notifications sent to Dead Letter Office
  • CMS Enforcement Teams seeking to deduct from bank accounts yet not notifying the NRPs
  • Case Workers confirming addresses in calls but mailings going to wrong address
  • SMS Threats of enforcement despite payments being made or agreed as no longer owed
  • Direct Debit Payments made and autogenerated enforcements after
  • Enormous and inexplicable arrears calculated

And the list goes on. But many people feel hopeless in trying to deal with the CMS and this we know has led to unbelievable stress and for some, like Gavin Briggs, Jonny O’Neill and Ian Sandywell, and many more dreadfgul outcomes that the DWP do not ant to admit, driven over the edge.

STOPSuicides UK is an unfunded Campaign Group who’s mission is to STOP the DWP and it’s CMS stressing people into an early grave.

Please share this page.

News

STOPSuicides UK Calls for a Public Inquiry into the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and its links to mental harm and suicides.

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STOPSuicides UK Campaign Group

Request for a Public Inquiry into the Child Maintenance Service and Associated Harm

To: Debbie Abrahams MP

Chair, Work and Pensions Select Committee

House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

From: STOPSuicides UK Campaign Group

Date: 19th August 2025

1. Introduction

We write as STOPSuicides UK Campaign Group, a coalition formed in response to mounting evidence of serious mental health harmand suicides connected to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).

Our group includes:

• Direct family members bereaved by suicide in CMS-related cases;

• Individuals personally pushed to the edge by CMS processes; and

• Campaigners and researchers who have compiled years of evidence on the systemic failings of statutory child maintenance. Together, we bring both the authority of lived experience and the weight of documented research.

2. Contradictions in Ministerial and Departmental Positions

2.1 Ministerial Acknowledgement

On 18 January 2023, during oral evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee, Viscount Younger of Leckie admitted:

“I am already aware, having seen some correspondence, that I’ve had to… sign off, on some absolutely tragic cases and I think it’s absolutely appalling that … cases can lead to people taking their own lives.”

This was a clear ministerial acknowledgement, on the Parliamentary record, that CMS cases have been linked to suicides.

2.2 Ministerial Denial

By contrast, on 2 May 2023, the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work stated publicly:

“The Department strongly denies any suggestion of a causal link between the Child Maintenance Service and suicide.”

2.3 Departmental Safeguarding Frameworks

• Internal Process Reviews (IPRs): Explicitly investigate deaths “including by suicide” where DWP actions may have contributed. In 2022–23, 47 IPRs were completed, 2 involving CMS. In 2023–24, 53 IPRs were accepted, 3 naming CMS as theprimary service line.

• Serious Case Learning Notes: Include CMS cases where paying parents declared intent to self-harm, requiring staff to record “declarations of attempted suicide.”

Thus, the Department’s own frameworks contradict its blanket public denial.

3. Wider Context

• Inquests have previously linked statutory child support enforcement to suicide, including the Ian Sandywell case (2015) under the CSA.

• FOI-based analysis indicates paying parents experience elevated death rates compared with the general population.• Testimonies from our members confirm CMS processes continue to inflict severe psychological harm.

4. Request for a Public Inquiry

We note the forthcoming Parliamentary Inquiry into the CMS, which will rightly focus on shaping reforms and putting things right for the future. However, STOPSuicides UK emphasises that this is not sufficient. Justice must also be delivered for those who have already suffered irreparable loss or lasting trauma as a result of CMS systems.

Accordingly, we request that the Government establish a full Public Inquiry, led by an independent chair, with powers to:

1. Investigate whether CMS operations, systems, and processes have contributed to suicides, attempted suicides, or serious mental health harm.

2. Examine the adequacy of safeguarding and escalation processes, including IPRs.

3. Hear evidence from bereaved families, survivors, campaigners, and independent experts.

4. Determine accountability for past harms and recommend measures to provide recognition and justice.

5. Conclusion

There are now multiple, unreconciled positions on the record: a ministerial acknowledgement of CMS-linked suicides, a departmental denial, and internal review frameworks that treat suicide as a material risk in CMS cases. This contradiction undermines public trust and leaves bereaved families without recognition or justice.

While the Parliamentary Inquiry is vital for shaping future reform, only a Public Inquiry under an independent chair can address past harms and ensure justice for those already affected.

Case Studies Media

Child Maintenance Service Drove James Anderson to Attempt Suicide. But James Lives On and Speaks Out.

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After 20 years of being in his own words, “Hounded by the Child Maintenance Service”, at 72 years old James Anderson, who lives in Paignton UK, couldn’t take it anymore. Many parents have seen their mental health deteriorate in the same way. Many parents across the UK have had their lives so impacted that they can hardly think about anything else. James is traumatised and it is obvious when you meet him. The Child Maintenance Service has been criticised heavily by multiple organisations for not being fit for purpose. It really isn’t. James’ is one of the ‘lucky ones’ for he lived to tell the tale when many others have not. But he still carries major issues upon his back, like a heavy cross to bear.

James’ life has been wrecked by the CSA/CMS and sadly this is a story shared by many thousands across the country. Whichever side of the so called ‘service’ one sits. A story of trauma, of entrenchment, of severe depression and suicide. Much of which is totally avoidable and much of which caused by poor policy, maladministration and frankly an organisation that “…doesn’t care a damn.”

Media Political STOPS-Release

Viscount Younger of Leckie – ONE HONEST VOICE SINGS LOUD ABOVE THE DECEPTIVE SERVANTS!

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Viscount Younger was new to the post and when questioned on the subject of suicides by MP Debbie Abrahams, he made it very clear that there was causal link between the actions and procedures of the Child Maintenance Service that has led to people taking their lives. But this is in contradiction to the denial narrative that the DWP realeses and as recorded as briefed by Mims Davies on Hansard. The DWP/CMS has a lot of data on suicides but refuses to release it. The CMS self investigates suicides but does not publish the outcomes of such investigations and is not held accountable to the Public Interest in this dreadful matter. This scandal is growing in its magnitude as more and more people are coming forward to STOPSuicides with cases where people have both attempted suicide and families of those who have succeeded. THIS MUST STOP!

News

STOPSuicides Discovers : CMS OVERSTATED ARREARS – IN GAVIN BRIGGS’ REVIEW LETTERS.

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“STOPSuicides UK is investigating failures in the CMS IT systems that have stressed both RPs and NRPs. In analysing the late Gavin Briggs’ accounts statements and written notifications, we have now gathered evidence of systemic computational/process failures leading to CMS miscommunications being a very strong contributory factor in his decision to take his life”.

Shortly before Gavin Briggs took his life he was issued with a new Child Maintenance Service Review letter dated 25th June 2020. Gavin took his life on 1st July. We are asking the CMS to provide access logs to identify exactly when Gavin downloaded the letter.

The arrears figure of nearly £16,000 quoted in CMS correspondence (2019–2020) was never accurate. It was based on inflated income, failure to record direct payments, and projected fees. The official 2024 CMS account statement confirms that the true arrears balance at closure was ~£3,023, with only £479.31 confirmed as outstanding to one Receiving Parent

The evidence demonstrates that the higher arrears figures should not be relied upon for enforcement or recovery and we are also requesting that the CMS release Gavin’s portal access and internal data logs.

The analysis also confirms the fact that when a NRP pays a RP directly, the CMS does not always adjust the amounts owed before producing reviews with hugely inflated “unpaid maintenance figures”.

News

STOPSuicides UK: Letter to Baroness Sherlock OBE. Ministers Clearly Contradict On CMS Suicide Cause.

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STOPSuicides UK

6th September 2025

Baroness Sherlock OBE
Minister of State
Department for Work and Pensions
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London SW1H 9DA

Subject: Contradiction in Ministerial Statements on CMS and Suicide Risk (Point 3 of your letter to Dr Caroline Johnson MP, 21 August 2025 [Forwarded to Mr Ian Briggs]

Dear Baroness Sherlock,

On behalf of STOPSuicides UK, a campaign group established by bereaved families affected by the actions of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), I write to express grave concern about the inconsistency in your recent Ministerial correspondence.

In your letter of 21 August 2025 (ref. MC2025/48555) you stated at Point 3:

“The CMS denies any suggestion of a causal link between the Service and suicide of users.”

This categorical denial stands in stark contradiction to the words of your colleague Viscount Younger, who, during evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee on 25 January 2023, acknowledged:

“It is absolutely appalling that cases can lead to people taking their own lives. That is dreadful and we must look at all ways in which we can avoid that or have systems and processes that do not lead to that.”

We are deeply troubled that, within just two years, Government ministers are presenting the public and Parliament with mutually exclusive positions on an issue as serious as suicide. The difference is not one of tone but of substance: one statement accepts that CMS processes can contribute to suicides, the other flatly denies it.

This contradiction raises urgent questions:

  1. Civil Service Narrative – Are ministers being constrained to repeat a civil service–authored denial line, regardless of available evidence, leaving you personally accountable for positions which may later be discredited?
  2. Transparency – How does this denial reconcile with DWP’s own Internal Process Reviews (IPRs), which have investigated CMS-related deaths and suicides, and with FOI disclosures showing 4,959 paying parent deaths between 2020–22?
  3. Ministerial Integrity – How can bereaved families, Parliament, and the public have confidence in DWP if ministers are issuing contradictory narratives on matters of life and death?

As you know, other DWP ministers (including Mims Davies) have previously denied a causal link, yet your colleague Viscount Younger publicly acknowledged that such a link exists. The danger is clear: civil service denial narratives may leave ministers personally carrying future accountability for avoidable deaths.

STOPSuicides UK therefore asks you directly:

  • Will you withdraw or clarify your statement that “CMS denies any suggestion of a causal link”?
  • Will you commit to publishing anonymised IPR findings into suicides linked to CMS?
  • Will you confirm whether ministers are free to speak candidly on this matter, or whether your language was dictated by official briefing lines?

Families like ours live daily with the consequences of CMS maladministration, wrongful arrears, and automated enforcement. To deny the possibility of a causal link — when excess deaths are evident in your own data and ministers have acknowledged the problem — is to compound our loss with institutional dishonesty.

We would be grateful for your urgent clarification and a substantive response. Please note that we are making this correspondence public so that bereaved families, Parliament, and the wider public can judge for themselves the consistency and integrity of the Government’s position.

Case Studies News

CMS Suicide: Potential Vulnerable Client Advice – A Clear Example of Gross Failure:

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This is the CMS Narrative:

77.⁠ ⁠The Government recognises that some paying parents face difficult circumstances and may be in distress. Where paying parents are struggling with their mental health due to the cost of child maintenance payments, the CMS will work with them to come to a suitable arrangement. In addition, the CMS will provide referral advice to organisations that specialise in providing support and guidance regarding mental health, emotional difficulties, and suicidal ideation where deemed appropriate.

This is a real example of what happens when one of our ultra vulnerable CMS victims asked for support when feeling suicidal and was given numbers to call:

I contacted everyone one of those numbers and responded in the summary of a follow up letter sent on as 30 October 2023

“Finally, I must point out that after feel very depressed about your latest letter and recent events I
reached out to some of the contacts that you supplied in your appendix. Unfortunately, they do not
support people in my position. Steve Smith from UK Men’s Shed was angry that you had given out
his personal phone number without permission and will be making a complaint. Ammaar Mussa’s
number from Peterborough Council for Volunteering Services no longer exists and on the landline
they don’t know who this person is. Healthy You do not offer the help or services that I need and
told me to phone the Samaritans. Do you have any numbers for Mental Health and Suicide
Support?”

DWP Secret Report on Suicides
News

DWP Suicides: a Secret Problem That Will Not Go Away?

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REFERENCE THE BELOW REPORT ON DISABILITY NEWS SERVICE.

What is becoming clear is that STOPS has been attempting to establish the facts. The DWP acknowledges it carries out Internal Process Reviews IPRs in FOI responses. It even says one day they will publish them. Except of course they want to hide them as it will more than open up Pandora’s Box on the hidden truth behind suicides across the DWP departments. STOPS will attempt to be invited before the Child Maintenance Parliamentary Inquiry but it is our opinion, backed by facts, that the damage caused to mental health of customers (VICTIMS) is being brushed under the carpet in a “lets put it right process” and hope to God we never end up before a Public Inquiry which will be the only way to get justice for those victims that include parents AND children. Children have been killed. Partners have been killed and many parents have taken their own lives.

But the debate is really around the Public Interest Test. On what grounds do the DWP FOI Team truly feel empowered to withhold the suicide data, the IPRs and results of investigations?

With “TRIGGER THE CMS SERVERS” still unable to calculate properly or integrate properly with HMRC or CIS or even between its addressing mailing systems, we know that the victim stress continues and so will the mental health issues and deaths.

We call upon the Government to hold a Public Inquiry into the DWP, it’s actions and its process that sadly lead to people taking their lives. We paraphrase Viscount Younger of Leckie actually. If we can’t take the nod from the man who oversaw the CMS who can we?

A great report from the Disability News Service – but we know this issue extends right across DWP departments and especially the CMS!

Tory peer wrote secret report calling for DWP to reduce suicides and other ‘very bad cases’
Case Studies

DEAR CMS Computer System “TRIGGER”, is it £4,598.93 OR IS IT £15,792.45?

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Which is it to be? The statement or the 16000 CMS curse?

Sadly Gavin Briggs took his own life just days after receiving Trigger’s letter and highly inflated summary of his outstanding account which we show.

Gavin owed, according to the UK Child maintenance Service statement of account following his death and only released when his father Ian became administrator of Gavin’s estate £4598.93. What is even worse is that the administrators of the estate can NOW PROVE GAVIN BRIGGS WAS OVERPAYING.

HOW did Trigger derive that figure? ASK THE CMS. Verian Group are currently carrying out a survey on behalf of the DWP and it is clear from the questioning there are calculation issues with the methods of computation and automated systems. Verian are guiding the questioning process but allowing minimal ability for free text feedback. Is this the DWP just ticking customer survey boxes to present customer service improvement efforts to Ministers and Parliament? We suspect so. And at what cost to the taxpayers?

THE UK CHILD MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND DWP AUTOMATED COMPUTER SYSTEMS were procured and the responsibility of senior UK Civil Service management, some of whom, like Paula Vennells but unlike her, still enjoy awards like OBEs and spreading the same narrative Paula did. Some will enjoy nice fat gold plated state pensions But we hope will reflect on what their dreadful management has caused. They know who they are and we look forward to seeing them, like the POST OFFICE AND FUJITSU people, standing in front of counsel such as Julian Beer KC.

STOPSuicides UK is campaigning to bring to the National Psyche the fact that maladministration and systeming mistakes cause stress that may lead to people taking their own lives.

This was clearly the point made open by the honesty of Viscount Younger of Leckie in Select Committee here in answering questions by Debbie Abrahams MP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbfLbc2bNZY&t=21s

Facts News

“TRIGGER” THE CMS/DWP COMPUTER THAT SENDS VICTIMS TOWARD THE EDGE OF LIFE AND BEYOND!

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The CMS knows it has a huge issue and no doubt a part of the reason why Verian Group has been commissioned to survey CMS victims they try to call customers.

The case management systems where staff agree with both resident or non-resident parents does not synchornise with the auto-calculation computational systems in any way shape or form that relates to accuracy or efficientcy. The auto-computational and calculation/nudging/notifications system are returning out of date HMRC records (in some cases several years out of date) whether by systemic failure or of course choice.

WE HAVE CALLED THE CMS AUTOMATED COMPUTER SYSTEM “TRIGGER” for that is what is does. It sends threats of enforcement for debts not owed thus triggering disastrous outcomes for peoples’ health, lives and wellbeing.

How many people have simply overpaid under the system’s pressure? How many people have become so stressed they considered or have taken their lives? We can demonstrate using evidence that TRIGGER sends regular, inflated, inaccurate sms texts and enforcement letters.

GAVIN Briggs was sent such an inflated arrears letter 4 days before he took his life. His father, Ian Briggs has the CMS case statement of account for that period (as adminsitrator of Gavin’s estate) which shows GAVIN DID NOT OWE THE ARREARS THAT TRIGGER SENT HIM!

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND MUST STOP.

Justice News Research

“Coroners Gagged” by Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

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A Report on Coroners’ Restrictions, Systemic Failures, and Suicide Prevention in the UK

Prepared by STOPSuicides UK Campaign Group

Introduction

This comprehensive report examines the historical evolution of coroners’ duties in the UK, the legislative and judicial changes restricting their ability to address systemic failures, the limitations of the Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reporting mechanism, and the potential implications of the Joy Dove Appeal. Furthermore, it incorporates references to public PFD reports and other relevant documents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues.

Historical Development of the Coroner System in the UK

Medieval Origins

The office of the coroner dates back to the 12th century, established under King Richard I in 1194. Originally, coroners were tasked with investigating deaths to ensure proper records for the Crown, primarily focusing on financial implications like fines and forfeitures.

The Coroners Act 1887

The Coroners Act 1887 marked the first comprehensive legislative framework for coronial duties. It formalised the role of the coroner in determining the cause of death and emphasised public accountability, allowing coroners significant discretion to comment on contributory factors, including institutional failures.

The Coroners Act 1988

This act updated the legislative framework, retaining much of the 1887 Act’s provisions but placing a greater emphasis on procedural efficiency. While still allowing broad discretion, it laid the groundwork for future restrictions by prioritising administrative clarity over exploratory inquests.

The Coroners and Justice Act 2009

The 2009 Act introduced significant reforms, replacing traditional verdicts such as “neglect” and “unlawful killing” with short-form conclusions like “suicide” or “accident.” It also limited coroners’ ability to assign blame or comment on systemic issues, reflecting judicial guidance that inquests should avoid prejudicing civil or criminal proceedings. Critics argue that these changes effectively “gagged” coroners and reduced the preventive value of inquests.

Legislative and Judicial Constraints

Judicial Guidance on Coroners’ Roles

Case law following the 2009 Act has reinforced the restrictive approach. Courts have emphasised that coroners must focus on establishing “how” a person died rather than “why,” limiting inquiries into broader societal or institutional factors. This guidance has been criticised for discouraging coroners from addressing systemic failures.

Restriction on Narrative Verdicts

Narrative verdicts, which allow coroners to provide detailed accounts of death circumstances, have become constrained under these interpretations. Coroners are now cautioned against using language that could imply liability, further curbing their ability to highlight systemic failings.

The Joy Dove Appeal: A Case Study

Background

Joy Dove’s daughter, Jodey Whiting, died by suicide in 2017 after her benefits were terminated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The initial inquest lasted only 37 minutes, failing to consider the DWP’s potential role in her death. Joy Dove campaigned for a second inquest to address this omission.

Court of Appeal Decision (2023)

In March 2023, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of holding a second inquest, citing new evidence of systemic failings by the DWP. This decision highlights the limitations of the original inquest and underscores the need for coroners to have greater latitude in exploring institutional factors.

Implications

The Joy Dove Appeal has the potential to set a precedent for more comprehensive inquests, challenging the constraints imposed by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and subsequent judicial interpretations.

The Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) Reporting Mechanism

Purpose and Process

Introduced under the 2009 Act, the PFD system allows coroners to identify risks and make recommendations to prevent similar deaths. Organizations receiving a PFD report are required to respond but are not legally bound to implement the recommendations.

Limitations

  1. Non-Binding Nature: PFD recommendations are advisory, and there is no enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance.
  2. Fragmented Oversight: There is no centralized system for analysing PFD reports to identify recurring systemic issues.
  3. Limited Public Engagement: Many PFD reports receive little media attention, and their technical language can hinder public understanding.

Relevant Public PFD Reports

  • Case of Natasha Abrahart (2018): A student who died by suicide following inadequate support from her university. The coroner’s PFD report identified failures in mental health support systems but did not lead to substantive policy changes.
  • Case of Emma Day (2017): Emma Day was murdered by her ex-partner following systemic failures in addressing domestic abuse. The coroner’s PFD report highlighted failures by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Department for Work and Pensions, and other agencies.
  • Case of Molly Russell (2017): The coroner issued a PFD report addressing the role of social media in Molly’s death. Despite widespread media coverage, systemic changes in regulating harmful online content remain limited.

Implications for Press Reporting

Restricted Access to Systemic Analysis

The limitations on coroners’ commentary and the non-binding nature of PFD reports have reduced the media’s ability to report on systemic causes of suicides. This restricts public awareness and hinders advocacy efforts.

Impact on Accountability

Without detailed coronial findings, institutions are less likely to face scrutiny or be compelled to implement meaningful reforms.

Recommendations for Reform

  1. Expand Coroners’ Mandate: Allow coroners to investigate and comment on systemic factors contributing to deaths.
  2. Strengthen PFD Mechanisms: Make recommendations binding and establish a centralised oversight body to monitor compliance.
  3. Enhance Public Engagement: Simplify the language of PFD reports and increase their accessibility to the general public.
  4. Support Judicial Reforms: Encourage courts to interpret coronial duties in a manner that prioritises transparency and systemic accountability.
  5. Promote Legislative Changes: Amend the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to restore the ability of coroners to assign blame where warranted.

Conclusion

The historical evolution of coroners’ duties and the restrictions imposed by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 have significantly curtailed their ability to address systemic failures. The limitations of the PFD mechanism further compound these issues, reducing the transparency and accountability necessary to prevent future deaths.

The Joy Dove Appeal and other high-profile cases highlight the urgent need for reform. By empowering coroners and strengthening the PFD system, the UK can better address preventable deaths, enhance public trust, and support advocacy efforts to improve mental health and suicide prevention.

This report is submitted on behalf of the STOPSuicides UK Campaign Group to advocate for these critical changes.