Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what measures are in place to prevent delays to child maintenance proceedings arising from the non-submission of required documents by a paying parent; and how the Department ensures that such delays do not impede or postpone court-related processes.

Under the Child Support Information Regulations 2008, paying parents have a duty to provide the Department with any evidence or information needed for the i) determination of an application ; ii) making of a decision; or iii) collection and enforcement of child maintenance. Paying parents are expected to meet that obligation within specified timescales and are warned of the consequences of failing to do so.

Where a paying parent fails to provide the required information within the time allowed, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will take immediate action and is committed to using its wide-ranging enforcement powers proportionally, and in the best interests of children and separated families.

To support timely document submission, CMS offer a 24/7 online customer portal, My Child Maintenance Case, allowing parents to upload documents at their convenience any time of the day. In addition, data-sharing arrangements with other government departments, principally HMRC, reduce the need for customers to supply information directly, particularly earnings-related data.

If court action becomes necessary and customer information is not provided, the court may treat this as wilful refusal or culpable neglect when considering enforcement or sanctions for non-payment of child maintenance

The Department is committed to minimising delays in child maintenance proceedings and ensuring children receive the financial support they are entitled to.