Hi Barbie-up
Sorry to hear that your payments have goe down... why are they going down again as of Aug 1st???

I agree that the system is often very unfair, but we are on the other side of the fence, where DH is paying for DSS... the old system did not take into account the fact that we had him abut 25% of the time (we would have him more if she would let us) and he was paying 38% of his wage (you are only meant to pay 18% - which was very unfair...) so it is better for us... but we also contribute more to DSS costs of leaving like hair cuts etc etc.... anyway this is not about us

Men often take way too much advantage, when was your last assessment? did he decare what he was paying in rent on that? maybe you could ask for a change in assessment based on the fact that you believe he could contibute more... does he do tax returns?

Do you get on well with his parents? would dobbing them in hurt them finacially? do they see your kids and would this affect their relationship.
Sorry, i do feel for you, but i also see the other side too due to our situation... I dont think that your reduction is fair though