Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he expects the planned new procedures to tackle child maintenance evasion by non-resident parents who fail to declare their full income for tax purposes to be rolled out across the Child Maintenance Service.

We have recently introduced a specialist team to the 2012 scheme of maintenance; the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU). The team has expert knowledge and experience, and many of the Child Maintenance Service’s (CMS) procedures already steer caseworkers to the FIU if faced with unpicking potentially complex income arrangements (such as those of the self-employed, company directors, or clients with “non-standard” income streams).

The FIU currently investigates cases within the “New Case” and “Complaints” areas of the CMS. Its impact is currently being evaluated and, subject to confirmation that impact is as positive as early indications suggest, use of the FIU will be rolled-out to all parts of the CMS in early 2017.

If we find a Non-Resident Parent has misrepresented their income, we can prosecute if such action would be in the public interest. The FIU can also make referrals to HMRC, if they believe tax fraud has occurred.

However, this final option is also open to anyone; if they are aware of someone committing tax fraud, this can be reported to HMRC through the gov.uk website.