Parliament to Discuss Bill Favoring Single Parent Allowance
In a significant move that could reshape the financial landscape for single parents, a new bill is on the horizon, with discussions scheduled in the parliament by the end of May. This legislation, if passed, will ensure that single parents will no longer face financial penalties for cohabiting with adults who are not related to their children.
Under the current system, single parents risk losing their allowance if they live with another adult, an issue that has raised concerns about privacy rights and the welfare of children in single-parent families. The proposed bill would redefine what constitutes a “single-parent family” and aims to protect the allowance irrespective of the single parent’s living arrangements.
The bill, championed by Akel MPs Andrea Kavkalia, Christos Christofias, and Giorgos Koukoumas, is expected to hit the House labour committee’s agenda by early June. Andreas Kavkalias, the committee chairman, emphasized the urgency of addressing this matter, stating that the goal is to finalize discussions and present the bill to the plenum before June concludes.
Kavkalias highlighted the fundamental issues at stake, pointing out that “The existing legislative framework, which provides for the termination of the one-parent family allowance in case of cohabitation, violates the right to privacy, violates the basic human rights of the child and for this reason it must be changed.” He further described the current provision as “anachronistic” and stressed the importance of its removal to uphold basic human rights.
The implications of this bill are far-reaching, potentially offering single parents greater freedom in their personal lives without the fear of financial repercussions. It marks a step towards a more equitable system that recognizes the diverse structures of modern families.
