Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I have to admit that even though I am a coastal MP, I have never come across that situation, although there are often historical anomalies that result in people being held responsible for such matters. I will certainly raise this question with Ministers on the hon. Gentleman’s behalf. We are acutely aware of the cost to homeowners of the buildings that they live in, and legislation that we are bringing forward will provide an opportunity to raise this, which I hope is an anomaly, and to do something about it.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

My constituent, a senior NHS nurse and single mother of three, faces severe hardship because her ex-partner deliberately withholds financial support. She is solely responsible for her children’s care, yet the Child Maintenance Service has rejected her claim and failed to enforce the payment of arrears. With no payments coming in, she is forced to rely on food banks and to borrow from family just to get by this Christmas. This demonstrates systematic failings that leave vulnerable families unsupported. Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the CMS system and its enforcement?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. The CMS has a range of enforcement powers to ensure that parents meet their financial responsibilities in full and on time. I understand that this will be a worrying time for his constituent and her family, and indeed for others across our country, so I will ensure that the relevant Minister writes to him as a matter of urgency. There is a pattern emerging here; this is the second time this matter has been raised this morning. We therefore need to give some consideration to how best to air these views more fully.