A Kent MP has slammed new legislation which could strip fathers of their driving licences and passports if they do not pay for their child’s upkeep.

Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews opposed the Welfare Reform Bill, which will let child maintenance enforcers take away absent fathers' ability to travel if they do not cough up, without the need to go to court.

The bill going to parliament this week will enable the new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission - which is responsible for the Child Support Agency - to bypass the courts and order absent parents directly to give up their driving licences and passports until they have met their financial obligations.

Mr Marshall-Andrews said he opposed the bill in Parliament because he is concerned it might not be workable.

“This legislation could cause some very considerable trouble” he said.

“Overall its intention is good but the operation is frought with difficulty.”

The Department for Work and Pensions said the move would be a "last resort" after other means of securing cash for children have failed.

If parents do have their documents confiscated they could then bring an appeal which would involve court proceedings.

A source close to the Department for Work and Pensions said: ”This is a severe measure meant for a hardcore of non-payers.”