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Dead Beat Dads set to take on the CSA
A THORNTON dad-of-three has launched a support group to help fathers who are battling with the Child Support Agency.
Train driver Maurice Barnett, 37, has started the Dead Beat Dads association in a bid to put pressure on agency bosses.
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He claims the CSA's tactics when collecting payments leave fathers out of pocket, depressed and unable to see their children.
The fledgling group, which already has 10 members, is planning protests against the CSA's handling of fathers' affairs.
Mr Barnett, of Fleetwood Road South, has accused the agency of "degrading fathers" by "robbing them of their money" and dignity and said his experience of the system left him suffering from depression and set to have his former family home repossessed.
He said: "We want a fairer system set-up.
"Any man's rights have been completely eroded away. You could pay your ex-wife cash-in-hand for six years, fall out and she can contact the CSA who demand you pay it all again.
"When they get involved, fathers are losing contact with their children.
"Fathers are moving out of the home, paying for their children and then being told their bedsit isn't appropriate or they can't afford to pick up their children."
Protests planned by the group are expected to be less eye-catching than fellow fathers' group, Fathers 4 Justice, but aimed at meeting influential figures to change CSA policies.
High profile stunts by Fathers 4 Justice have included flour bombing former prime minister Tony Blair and last weekend climbing on to the roof of Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman's house dressed as superheroes.
The Dead Beat Dads has been co-founded by Mr Barnett's partner Sherri-Lee Barnett, 39, who is training to be a councillor.
She said: "MPs up and down the country are being bombarded with calls for help from fathers.
"We hear the CSA are asking non-resident fathers what is the limit on your credit card? Can you remortgage your house? Just to get people to settle their arrears.
"They are telling people they shouldn't have had a second family."
But a spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions defended the CSA's record.
He said: "Every parent has a financial responsibility for their child.
"We look at each case individually to ensure the correct maintenance assessment is made.
"This isn't about securing money for the CSA but about recovering money for those children who are owed it."
Anyone wanting to get in contact with Mr Barnett can ring him on 07523 936072 or visit www.dead beatdadsassociation.co.uk
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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