Former partners can keep exercising financial domination unless the Government modernises the Child Maintenance Service, according to Catherine Fookes MP.

The Child Maintenance Service was established to guarantee that parents who have separated contribute equally to their children’s upbringing. It determines, gathers, and—if required—compels maintenance payments so that youngsters’ everyday expenses are met when one parent lives elsewhere.

However, ministers now intend to modify the arrangement to guarantee that the parent with primary care actually receives the funds.

Mrs Fookes has corresponded with the incoming administration urging them to accelerate and give priority to updating the Child Maintenance Service.

Mrs Fookes expressed concern about the number of parents experiencing difficulties because the service is not successfully guaranteeing full, punctual payments. She also highlighted worries that certain former partners exploit the existing framework to maintain financial domination and manipulation.

She noted that the UK Government’s proposed changes would enhance outcomes for parents and children, yet stressed the importance of implementing them without delay. She requested a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss how to expedite these improvements and achieve a more effective service for families.

Modifications to how separated parents obtain Child Maintenance Service payments will pull 20,000 children out of poverty.

Since Catherine Fookes previously raised this matter in Parliament, there has been an administration change, with the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicating willingness to examine welfare reform.

Last month the Government affirmed that arrangements had been made to maintain consistent oversight across departments through the interministerial group addressing child poverty.