Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the department is taking to address cases where a non-paying parent is not agreeing to contact with the CMS over child maintenance claims.

Both parents have a legal right to use the Child Maintenance Service. On receipt of a valid application, the Service is required to calculate maintenance liability and, where necessary, collect and enforce payments in accordance with the Child Support Act 1991, subsequent amendments and supporting regulations.

The Service seeks to engage both parties to understand their circumstances and determine an accurate liability. Where a parent does not engage, legislation enables the Service to determine liability using the information available and take appropriate action to ensure parents meet their financial responsibilities.