Payments made to the ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service are managed by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and can be removed directly from the paying parent’s bank account. The ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service also has enforcement powers available to ensure maintenance is paid on time and in full.

The CMS exempt victims of domestic violence from the £20 application fee, but do not make any exemptions from the monthly charges. In response to a written question that I tabled at Westminster, the UK Government said the charges are in place to encourage parents to pause and consider whether they require the ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service – encouraging parents to utilise the less bureaucratic ‘Direct-Pay’ scheme.

However the ‘Direct-Pay’ service does not offer the same protections as ‘Collect-and-Pay’ and can continue the cycle of abuse.  Victims of domestic abuse should be protected by the UK government, not punished financially for their inability to engage with their abusive ex-partner.  Read more and sign the petition here