Absent parents may lose passports

Absent parents could be stopped from driving

Absent parents who do not pay child support could have their passports and driving licences taken from them, without having to go to court.

The move is being introduced as part of government plans to make sure parents pay to support their children.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the legislation contained in the Welfare Reform Bill would be a "last resort" if others failed.

Latest estimates suggest absent parents owe nearly