Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will bring forward proposals for additional powers of enforcement to ensure that employers comply with deductions of earnings issued by the Child Maintenance Service.

The Child Maintenance Service already has the power to oblige employers to comply with deduction from earnings orders and supports employers through provision of an online self-service portal and dedicated Employer Payment Team.

Employers who fail to comply with a deduction from earnings order are contacted as soon as possible to establish the reasons for non-compliance and secure payment of the outstanding amounts due. If compliance action is required we can use our criminal powers to enforce the maximum penalty of a fine. We have no plans to introduce additional powers.