Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Western and Paul Davies

Monday 7th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Paul Davies (Colne Valley) (Lab)]

T5. Since the election, numerous constituents have contacted me to raise concerns about the Child Maintenance Service’s inefficiency in collecting arrears payments. Can the Minister outline the measures being taken to enhance the service’s effectiveness in this area?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)]

My hon. Friend is entirely right to raise this issue. He will be pleased to know that this Government are looking to utilise new powers to obtain a liability order without recourse to the courts, reducing the time taken to secure such an order from 22 weeks to around six.