Peter Gibson MP has supported the Child Support (Enforcement) Bill as it was debated and passed its second reading in the House of Commons today (09/11/22).
This Private Members’ Bill was tabled by Siobhan Baillie, the MP for Stroud, it seeks to strengthen the powers of the Child Maintenance Service to enforce the payment of child support.
The Bill will amend current legislation so that if the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agrees that a person has failed to pay an amount of child support maintenance and a deduction from earnings has not been possible or is not appropriate, the DWP will be able to make a liability order in respect of that amount against the person. Previously, in cases such as this, a court order was required for a liability order.
Speaking in the debate, Peter Gibson said “I believe it is absolutely right that ALL parents have a legal responsibility to support their children financially, quite apart from any moral responsibility that I believe they have too.”
Further, Peter Gibson welcomed the measures in the Bill, closing his speech by saying “I am delighted to be able to support this bill today, it will streamline the child maintenance system and enable us to ensure that more people pay child maintenance on time and in full.”
The bill secured the backing of the House of Commons, passing its second reading without the need for a division. It will now continue its legislative journey heading to its committee stage next.