Written questions by Tugendhat.

How many paying parents have a nil assessment for child maintenance, including by each reason for a nil assessment.

The information requested on the number of paying parents with a nil assessment, broken down by each reason for that assessment, is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. A nil assessment for Child Maintenance applies only in specific circumstances. This includes where the paying parent has very low or no income, is in education or government approved training, is under 16, is receiving certain income related benefits, is in prison, or is in state funded residential care.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the backlog of Child Maintenance Service enforcement cases and increase compliance.

The Department does not have a backlog of Child Maintenance Service (CMS) enforcement cases. All cases requiring enforcement action are being actively progressed in accordance with established operational procedures.The Department continues to strengthen enforcement activity to ensure that parents meet their financial responsibilities. In recent years, it has expanded the range of enforcement powers available to the CMS, enhanced case‑handling processes, and invested in additional capability to take timely action when payments are missed.As a result of this sustained focus, published statistics show a significant increase in compliance, with the proportion of paying parents who paid some maintenance rising from 64% in the quarter ending September 2022 to 74% in the quarter ending September 2025. The Department remains committed to driving further improvement.System improvements have been introduced to allow earlier identification of cases at risk of non‑payment, enabling quicker action to re‑establish compliance when payments fail or become irregular.As part of wider reforms, the Government proposes moving to a single service by removing Direct Pay and expanding the Collect and Pay service. This will create a fully monitored system in which all payments are visible in real time, making non‑compliance easier to detect and allowing faster enforcement intervention.To strengthen enforcement further, work is underway to introduce administrative liability orders (ALOs), which would remove the need to apply to the courts and reduce the current process to around six weeks in most cases. The Department is working with HMCTS and the Scottish Government to introduce regulations to Parliament as soon as possible.The CMS remains focused on ensuring that maintenance is paid promptly and in full.

What estimate her Department has made of the proportion of child maintenance arrears that are (a) likely to be recovered in full, (b) partly recoverable and (c) unlikely to be recovered.

Administrative child maintenance schemes have operated in the UK since 1993. This response addresses the position of arrears under the 2012 child maintenance scheme, which has managed new applications since December 2012. There are legislative differences between arrears arising under this scheme and those accrued under previous schemes.The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has a low percentage of unpaid maintenance. 7% of the total maintenance due to be paid since the CMS began, remains to be collected through Collect & PayUnder the CMS 2012 scheme, all arrears are regarded as collectable unless the receiving parent (or child in Scotland) requests that CMS cease action, or in limited circumstances such as the death of the paying parent where recovery from the estate is not possible. As arrears are owed to the receiving parent rather than the Secretary of State, CMS does not deem any debt uncollectable. CMS continues to focus on enforcement based on the paying parent’s ability to pay, which may vary over time, and actively pursues unpaid maintenance of all ages to ensure children receive the financial support to which they are entitled.

What is the current total value is of child maintenance arrears.

The Child Maintenance Service is committed to ensuring that child maintenance is paid in full and on time, and where arrears occur we take robust action to recover money owed to children and families. The Department publishes quarterly statistics for the Child Maintenance Service and the latest statistics are currently available to June 2025. Table 5 of the latest National tables shows the total amount of child maintenance that Paying Parents should have paid since the Child Maintenance Service began, and how much of that has not been paid as at the end of June 2025.

What proportion of the total value of child maintenance arrears has been outstanding for (a) under 12 months, (b) 1 to 3 years, (c) 3 to 7 years and (d) more than 7 years.

The Department publishes annual accounts for the client funds relating to the statutory child maintenance schemes. The latest accounts for financial year ending 2025 provide relevant figures in Table 1: Analysis of unpaid maintenance by year they originate.

What performance metrics his Department uses to evaluate the timeliness and quality of support provided to Members of Parliament when handling child maintenance queries.

The Department’s internal performance metric is to aim to provide a response to MP and Customer enquiries or complaints within 15 working days or to advise them when to expect a response, if the matter is complex and will take longer. To embed quality and consistency into our handling of complaints and enquiries, DWP implemented a Complaints Quality Standards Framework in 2022, which is supported by internal quality assurance measures, and aligned to the Cross Government Complaints Standards.

What proportion of child maintenance owed is collected within (a) 3, (b) 6 and (c) 12 months of assessment.

The Department for Work and Pensions does not currently publish statistics on what proportion of child maintenance owed is collected within (a) 3, (b) 6 and (c) 12 months of assessment. Therefore, the information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

What measures are in place to ensure that constituency casework can be resolved efficiently, including integration of ministerial databases, improved online access, and prompt communication of case updates.

While not specified in the question, we have linked your query to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), as you have raised other questions today on this topic. In 2020–21, DWP, introduced a single-tier complaints model to ensure that the process for raising complaints is simple and consistent for customers, including where contact is received from Members of Parliament on behalf of constituents. This model returned complaints handling back to specialist teams within service delivery, enabling the Department to strengthen capability and improve the quality of complaint responses. It also introduced a single software solution for managing complaints and correspondence across DWP. To embed consistency, we have implemented a Complaints Quality Standards Framework, supported by quality assurance measures, and aligned to the Cross Government Complaints Standards. Under our service standard, when a customer makes a complaint, whether directly or via an MP, the Department aims to provide a response within 15 working days or advise when they can expect a response, if the matter is complex and will take longer. MPs and their office staff can contact the CMS via dedicated routes, in writing or by phone. The CMS MP hotline is staffed by Complaint Resolution Managers, who aim to provide an on the call response to enquiries where possible or will arrange a call back in more complex cases. The CMS is committed to delivering a modern, efficient service that meets the needs of all customers. We are focusing on digital solutions and self-service to provide greater choice and flexibility to its customers. We have Increased use of SMS text and email and simplified letters for clarity. Online service 'My Child Maintenance Case' (MCMC) allows parents to access their case information 24/7. We have Introduced online messaging for certain processes, allowing customers to respond to information requests at their convenience, with plans for further expansion. Promoting self-service frees up resources for complex phone queries and vulnerable customers. Improved call routing ensures more calls go directly to case-owning teams for a faster, more responsive service.

How many Child Maintenance Service cases in the latest year involved a variation request relating to unearned income such as dividends, rental income, or bonuses: and in what proportion of those cases the variation was granted.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) does not hold centrally collated data specifically categorising variation requests by type of unearned income (e.g., dividends, rental income, bonuses). The information requested is not therefore readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

What long term reforms to Child Maintenance Service digital services are being considered, including in relation to (a) online self service for parents, (b) real time information sharing with HMRC, and (c) data sharing with the courts.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to improving digital services and aligning with the Department’s aim to deliver modern, efficient, and responsive services to customers.In June 2025, we published a response to our consultation outlining our intention to remove Direct Pay as a service type, to increase effective maintenance arrangements and help lift children out of poverty. This reform will be a main priority in our digital plans over the next few years, alongside modernising technology to be cloud-based, data-driven and scalable.We continue to improve our digital services based on customer needs. Online services, including Get Help Arranging Child Maintenance and My Child Maintenance Case (MCMC), allow parents to access advice and manage their case 24/7. We have introduced online messaging for some processes and plan to expand this further.We work closely with the courts on child maintenance matters, but there are no current plans to review data-sharing processes. Any future proposals would comply with data protection laws and ensure strong security.Some aspects of our online services already use Real Time Information (RTI) from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Gross income details for paying parents, including PAYE, are taken directly from HMRC for the latest tax year, allowing quick and accurate calculations. CMS also uses HMRC RTI to verify current income where it differs by 25% or more from the tax year figure. This threshold provides stability for both parents and avoids frequent recalculations for minor changes. The Government is currently reviewing the child maintenance calculation to ensure it remains fit for purpose, including updating underlying research and considering how to reflect current and future societal trends.

What modelling has the Department conducted on using real-time earnings data to enable immediate recalculation, including (a) real-time PAYE and (b) self-assessment data.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is committed to improving digital services and aligning with the Department’s aim to deliver modern, efficient, and responsive services to customers.In June 2025, we published a response to our consultation outlining our intention to remove Direct Pay as a service type, to increase effective maintenance arrangements and help lift children out of poverty. This reform will be a main priority in our digital plans over the next few years, alongside modernising technology to be cloud-based, data-driven and scalable.We continue to improve our digital services based on customer needs. Online services, including Get Help Arranging Child Maintenance and My Child Maintenance Case (MCMC), allow parents to access advice and manage their case 24/7. We have introduced online messaging for some processes and plan to expand this further.We work closely with the courts on child maintenance matters, but there are no current plans to review data-sharing processes. Any future proposals would comply with data protection laws and ensure strong security.Some aspects of our online services already use Real Time Information (RTI) from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Gross income details for paying parents, including PAYE, are taken directly from HMRC for the latest tax year, allowing quick and accurate calculations. CMS also uses HMRC RTI to verify current income where it differs by 25% or more from the tax year figure. This threshold provides stability for both parents and avoids frequent recalculations for minor changes. The Government is currently reviewing the child maintenance calculation to ensure it remains fit for purpose, including updating underlying research and considering how to reflect current and future societal trends.

What steps does the Child Maintenance Service have in place to calculate arrears for maintenance payments.

The Government is dedicated to ensuring parents meet their responsibilities to provide their children with financial support. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) aims to provide fast, accurate and transparent assessments, based on the paying parent’s income, primarily their gross annual income provided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If there are no significant changes in circumstances occurring, the maintenance calculation remains in place for a year at which point the CMS calculates a new liability as part of the annual review service. However, the CMS do continue to deal with unexpected events and major changes in year, in circumstances such as a move into or out of employment, or only where income changes by at least 25% from the latest annual income information provided by HMRC. This helps to keep calculations up to date and reduces the need for changes in income to be reported during the year. Where maintenance is due to be paid, the CMS issues all customers a payment plan which details what their expected child maintenance payments are. Where parents fail to pay their on-going maintenance as expected, any unpaid amounts are then considered as arrears. For parents who use the Direct Pay service, they are required to notify the CMS if payments have not been made to allow arrears balances to be updated. The CMS take proactive actions to move Paying Parents who are not paying their child maintenance back into compliant behaviours as soon as a missed payment is identified. Where payments have defaulted, we use our enforcement powers fairly and quickly to get cases back into payment.

How many Child Maintenance Service cases in each of the last five years the Independent Case Examiner identified maladministration; and what common failings were identified.

Where the Independent Case Examiner identifies maladministration in cases it investigates, an upheld finding will be reached. Such findings are either upheld, whereby the complaint is fully accepted and evidence supports the complaint, or partially upheld whereby some, but not all, of the issues raised in the complaint have merit. The data in the table below provides a combined total of upheld and partially upheld outcomes in the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) cases the Independent Case Examiner considered over the last five full reporting years. 2020/212021/222022/232023/242024/25TotalUpheld / partially upheld outcomes2083133114744591765 Joanna Wallace, the Independent Case Examiner, provided written evidence to the House of Lords Public Services Committee Child Maintenance Inquiry 2025, in which she commented on emergent themes or common issues seen in CMS complaints.

How many complaints about the Child Maintenance Service were received in each of the last five years, and how many were (a) upheld, (b) partly upheld and (c) not upheld.

The Department regularly publishes Child Maintenance Service official statistics. The complaints received for quarter ending June 2015 to quarter ending June 2025 are available in Table 11 of the accompanying National tables. A new publication containing data on DWP complaints received and their outcomes, including those within the Child Maintenance Service, is due to be published on 16 December 2025. Data within this publication will cover the period quarter ending September 2020 to quarter ending September 2025.

Whether the Department plans to publish a child maintenance arrears reduction strategy for the next five years.

This Government is committed to maximising the effectiveness of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), which plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support to which they are entitled. Only 7 per cent of the total maintenance due since the CMS commenced operations in 2012 remains outstanding through the Collect and Pay service. Significant reforms to the CMS have already been announced setting out our intention to move to a single service where all payments will be collected and transferred on behalf of parents. This reform will enable the CMS to address non-compliance more swiftly and provide enhanced support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The CMS have a strong range of enforcement powers and continually review how these can be strengthened to improve the CMS’s ability to deploy enforcement measures more widely and select the most appropriate action in each case.

What guidance his Department gives to the Child Maintenance Service to verify income for self-employed parents and those operating via company structures; and what mechanisms are in place to improve accuracy.

For self-employed paying parents, the gross income used in a maintenance calculation is provided by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the first instance. HMRC will provide details of the gross taxable profit of the paying parent's business, for the most recent complete tax year People who are self-employed are required to keep accurate records of their business income and expenses for tax purposes. HMRC can charge penalties for inaccurate reporting where it results in tax being unpaid. Where a paying parent is the Director of their limited liability company, they are legally an employee of that company and are treated the same as any other employee for child maintenance purposes. If the receiving parent believes that the paying parent has additional income as a result of their employment status, for example, dividends they can apply for a variation to include this income in the maintenance calculation. Cases involving complex income can be investigated by the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU). This is a specialist team which can request information from financial institutions to check the accuracy of information the CMS is given. The FIU uses its extensive investigative powers to ensure that families receive child maintenance appropriately and in accordance with the paying parent’s whole income.

What actions have been taken in response to recommendations made by the Independent Case Examiner in relation to Child Maintenance Service complaints in each of the last five years.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) have implemented measures in line with the Independent Case Examiner's recommendations in each of the last five years. Actions include strengthening enforcement processes, improving complaint handling procedures, enhancing staff training, updating guidance, and reviewing policies to ensure fairer outcomes for parents and children. These actions demonstrate CMS commitment to learning from ICE recommendations and improving the experience of CMS customers.

What the average and maximum response times are for the Child Maintenance Service providing parents with full statements and breakdowns of maintenance calculations and variations on request.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) remains committed to providing timely, transparent, and accurate information to parents.Parents can access full statements at any time via the Child Maintenance Self Service portal, My Child Maintenance Case (MCMC), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They do not need to request this from the CMS, as an online statement is always available.When CMS recalculates maintenance due to a change in circumstances or a variation, we are legally required to notify both parents in writing. These letters, which include a detailed breakdown of the calculation, are also available online via MCMC.Where a parent disputes their arrears balance, they can request a full account breakdown. This is a manual process. CMS does not systematically record the time taken to complete these requests, so the data requested is not available.All calculation decisions can be challenged through the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) process, which allows a parent to ask CMS to review a decision before appealing to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. During MR, CMS re-examines the decision and considers any new information provided. If the original decision is found to be incorrect, it will be revised.

Whether his Department has set performance targets for the Child Maintenance Service on (a) time to initial calculation, (b) time to enforcement following non payment, and (c) customer satisfaction.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) aims to complete 80 percent of initial maintenance calculations within six weeks The Department publishes quarterly statistics for the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and the latest statistics are currently available to June 2025. Table 1 of the latest National tables includes information on the total number of applications received by CMS for each quarter and the percentage cleared within 6 weeks and 12 weeks, from quarter ending June 2024 to quarter ending June 2025 The main causes of delay in completing maintenance calculations include parent disputes, where we need to trace and verify the paying parent’s identity or location and when income investigation and verification is required We continue to mitigate these factors through income verification from HMRC or benefits systems, quality assurance controls, and responsive resourcing to meet service-level targets. The CMS is committed to making the most effective use of its strong enforcement powers, and we have made a number of improvements to its processes to drive case compliance and challenge non-compliant behaviours, but we do not currently have performance targets on the time to enforcement following non-payment. We are dedicated to using enforcement powers fairly and in the best interests of children and separated families, but the specific actions taken following non-payment, and associated timescales will vary depending on the circumstances of a case. CMS monitors customer experience and satisfaction as part of its regular operational rhythm, however, we do not currently have customer satisfaction performance targets for CMS, but work is ongoing to develop benchmarks against which we can measure performance.

How many (a) mandatory reconsiderations and (b) appeals have been requested in each of the last five years; and what is the average time it takes the Child Maintenance Service to review these requests.

Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) is the process where a parent asks the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to review a decision before appealing to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. It can be requested at any stage of a case or after an unsuccessful application. If CMS finds the original decision incorrect or receives new information, the decision may be revised. The CMS is committed to ensuring decisions are timely, accurate, fair, and based on all relevant information provided by parents. The Department publishes quarterly statistics for the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and the latest statistics are currently available to June 2025. Table 9 of the latest National tables includes information on the total number of mandatory reconsideration requests received by the CMS and the outcomes occurring each quarter, and the number and percentage cleared within 28 days of receipt, from quarter ending June 2015 to quarter ending June 2025. Table 10 of the latest National tables includes information on the total number of appeals made by parents to His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service to review a decision made by the CMS each quarter, from quarter ending June 2015 to quarter ending June 2025. The information requested on the average time it takes the Child Maintenance Service to review these requests and, total value of revised liabilities, is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.