VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Children: Maintenance

Asked by Connor NaismithLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 12374

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on what date he expects to commence the administrative liability order provisions under sections 32M and 32N of the Child Support (Enforcement) Act 2023; and what statutory mechanism currently provides authority for the creation of liability orders by the Child Maintenance Service pending their commencement.

Answered by Andrew Western

Our intention remains to introduce the necessary legislation for Administrative Liability Order’s (ALOs) as soon as possible. We are working closely with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and with the Scottish Government to ensure that when commenced, ALOs can operate effectively across Great Britain.

In the meantime, the Child Maintenance Service have agreed with HMCTS directly to increase the capacity for bulk hearings across all centralised courts to secure Liability orders under provisions in the Child Support 1991 Act and associated regulations, which provide the current statutory basis for enforcement action.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim