AQW 50282/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities

To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any work ongoing to review the Child Maintenance Service, including the evidential requirements placed on parents.

Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 2 July 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
2 July 2026
Answer due by
21 July 2026
Answered
8 July 20266 days after tabling
Department
Department for Communities
Priority question
No

Answer

My Department continues to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that reforms to the Child Maintenance Service, especially those aimed at strengthening compliance and improving enforcement, are progressed. This is with the aim of ensuring maintenance reaches the children who rely on it.

Reforms to the Direct Pay service that would provide additional protection for victims against domestic abuse and the introduction of Administrative Liability Orders are two significant areas currently under review.

Evidential requirements vary depending on the circumstances of the case and situation. There are no current plans to amend existing evidential requirements.

Official sources