Skip to main content

Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Children: Maintenance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will review the effectiveness of arrangements within the Child Maintenance Service whereby HMRC evidence is used to establish CMS payments.

Answer

The Department has no current plans to conduct a specific review of the arrangements whereby HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) evidence is used to establish Child Maintenance Service (CMS) payments.

The CMS relies on verified HMRC income information to support accurate and efficient maintenance calculations and reviews cases annually using updated HMRC data. The system is supported by safeguards including mandatory reconsideration and appeal rights, and investigations by the Financial Investigation Unit where appropriate.

We continue to keep the whole child maintenance system under review to ensure it remains fair and effective.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17908
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Children Maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk