Written Question·Department for Work and Pensions·UIN 82228

Children: Maintenance

Tabled: 14 October 2025
Answered: 21 October 2025

Question

Dr Roz Savage

Liberal DemocratSouth Cotswolds

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) the removal of the Direct Pay option and (b) other changes to the Child Maintenance service on the affordability of the system for both parent

Answer

Andrew Western
The proposed reforms to remove Direct Pay could result in around 20,000 fewer children in poverty. The reforms will help ensure children receive the financial support they are entitled to by addressing issues with hidden non-compliance within Direct Pay. ...

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