Both Parents Matter

18/08/2026

The CMS campaign continues...

BBC Panorama helped bring the experiences of parents affected by the CMS into the national spotlight — but this is only the beginning.

Our latest survey showed the scale of the concerns - 79.1% of paying parents who had dealt with the CMS said it had negatively affected their mental wellbeing, while 70.2% said their payments were unfair.

We’re grateful to everyone who shared their experiences, completed our survey and helped us make the case for change.

But coverage is only valuable if it leads to action.

🎥 In this short video, our CEO - Sam Morfey - reflects on the coverage, the campaign so far, and why Both Parents Matter will continue fighting for a fairer, more transparent and accountable CMS.

Panorama: Child Maintenance - Parents Under Pressure is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zlrs

17/08/2026

📺 A big day for everyone affected by the Child Maintenance Service.

Today, Sam Morfey, CEO of Both Parents Matter featured on both BBC Breakfast and BBC Panorama, putting the experiences of paying parents and the need for change to the Child Maintenance Service firmly in the national spotlight.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our recent 2026 survey. Your experiences helped us produce the evidence and statistics that strengthened our case and helped secure this important coverage.

Behind every statistic is a parent’s real experience — and we’re determined to keep making sure those voices are heard.

💙 Want to help us keep pushing for change? Please consider becoming a member of Both Parents Matter or making a donation. Every bit of support helps us continue campaigning, gathering evidence and representing separated parents.

👉 Become a member https://familiesneedfathers2.beaconforms.com/form/14ef95f9
👉 Make a donation: https://familiesneedfathers2.beaconforms.com/form/3dc0e0fc

You can watch Sam on the red sofa at BBC Breakfast until tomorrow morning:
📺https://www.bbc.co.uk/.../epi.../m0030dh3/breakfast-17082026
(7.31am or 1.31 into the programme)

And Panorama@ Child Maintenance - Parents Under is available here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zlrs

17/08/2026

📺 ON NOW!

BBC Panorama: Child Maintenance – Parents Under Pressure is on BBC One now, featuring Sam Morfey, CEO of Both Parents Matter.

Tune in and hear the voice of paying parents.

Also available on Iplayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcone

Watch BBC One live on BBC iPlayer.

17/08/2026

Tonight at 8pm on BBC One: Panorama — Child Maintenance: Parents Under Pressure.

Tonight’s Panorama looks at the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and the impact of a system that is putting separated parents and their children under pressure.

Both Parents Matter will be there, representing the voices of separated parents who have been harmed by a failing system. Our CEO Sam Morfey will be calling for greater transparency, accountability and fairness — and for the CMS to properly recognise the circumstances and continuing role of both parents.

📺 BBC One | 8pm tonight

17/08/2026

Our CEO Sam Morfey’s BBC Breakfast interview is only available to watch until tomorrow! Access the clip to hear the paying parent perspective and our call for change to the CMS.

📺https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0030dh3/breakfast-17082026

(7.31am or 1.31 into the programme)

17/08/2026

📢 Sam Morfey, CEO of Both Parents Matter, has just been LIVE on BBC Breakfast, speaking up for paying parents and calling for change to the CMS.

And 'Panorama: Child Maintenance – Parents Under Pressure' is now available on BBC iPlayer. Both Parents Matter was involved in the programme to help bring the impact of the CMS on paying parents into the spotlight.

We’re speaking up for parents who too often feel unheard, misunderstood and let down by the current system — and calling for greater fairness, transparency and accountability.

📺️ Watch Panorama on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zlrs
📺️ Watch BBC Breakfast (at 07:30): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0030dh3

If today’s coverage has left you feeling distressed or overwhelmed, please don’t struggle alone. Contact our helpline: 0300 0300 363.

A huge thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences with us. Your voices matter.

If you are able to support our vital work supporting separated families and championing the voice of separated parents please consider joining us: https://familiesneedfathers2.beaconforms.com/form/14ef95f9

Is the system for making maintenance payments failing children and parents alike?

17/08/2026

📺 CONFIRMED - 7.30am this morning

CEO Sam Morfey will be LIVE on BBC Breakfast this morning at 7:30am, speaking up for paying parents and calling for change to the CMS.

And don't forget — BBC Panorama tomorrow evening at 8pm

16/08/2026

📢 The paying parent voice is being heard — live on BBC Breakfast tomorrow morning and on BBC Panorama tomorrow evening.

Our CEO - Sam Morfey - will be live on BBC Breakfast tomorrow morning, representing the voice of paying parents and calling for change to the Child Maintenance Service. Watch from 6am LIVE on BBC 1.

And tomorrow night, at 8pm, BBC Panorama examines the CMS. Both Parents Matter has been involved in the production, making sure the impact of the system on paying parents is represented and brought into the national conversation.

📺 BBC Breakfast — tomorrow morning live from 6am
📺 BBC Panorama — tomorrow night at 8pm

16/08/2026

Almost 80% of paying parents say their interactions with the CMS have negatively affected their mental wellbeing.

Behind every number is a parent trying to navigate a system that can have a profound impact on their finances, wellbeing and relationship with their children.

Both Parents Matter will be on Panorama tomorrow representing the voice of separated parents harmed by a failing system.

📣 Watch BBC1 at 8pm tomorrow
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zlrs

15/08/2026

Both Parents Matter is proud to represent the voice of paying parents and challenge how the Child Maintenance Service is failing both parents and children.

📺 Watch Panorama on BBC 1, Monday at 8pm, as our CEO - Sam Morfey - calls for greater transparency, accountability and fairness from the CMS — and proper recognition of the circumstances and continuing role of both parents.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zlrs