The Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Act 2023 will allow the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to intervene in cases where abuse is evident, using its powers to collect and make payments.
This set-up, called Collect and Pay, is already used by 37% of parents using the CMS.
It provides extra protections for parents who have experienced domestic abuse by managing payments and avoiding the need for contact – preventing perpetrators from inflicting financial abuse and control.
Work and Pensions Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said: “Domestic abuse and coercive control are abhorrent crimes. This positive change will enhance our existing support for domestic abuse victims and ensure they can make a child maintenance claim without the fear of having to deal with an abusive ex-partner.”