The amendment is consequential on NC1 and ensures that provisions for domestic abuse victims are extended to Northern Ireland. It also allows the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland to make transitional or saving provision.

The amendments will allow provisions in the Bill to include Northern Ireland, benefiting domestic abuse victims throughout the United Kingdom. Officials will work closely with legal colleagues and other Administrations across the UK to ensure effective implementation.

Domestic abuse is universal, but the economic impact is particularly severe for single mothers. Nearly half of children in single-parent households were living in poverty pre-pandemic, highlighting the importance of supporting victims through measures like those in this Bill.

Welcomes the Bill and hopes its provisions will help prevent long-term abusive relationships, based on personal experience with constituents affected by domestic abuse.

Mr. Howell emphasised the universal nature of the issue, citing IFS data that nearly half of children in single-parent households lived in poverty pre-pandemic and are disproportionately headed by mothers who may be victims of domestic abuse. He highlighted problems with the CMS as revealed by PAC reports, suggesting improvements through automatic collect-and-pay option for abuse victims without fees.

Mr. Browne supported the Bill's aim to prevent economic abuse via child maintenance services, highlighting cases in his constituency where women could not receive payments post-separation due to control tactics by their ex-partners, impacting children’s welfare adversely.

Ms. Foxcroft commended the Bill but raised concerns over charges for receiving parents on collect-and-pay services, suggesting exemptions are necessary. She also underlined the importance of correct evidence requirements and called for statutory guidance to ensure CMS staff training adequately addresses domestic abuse.

Mr. Simon Fell supports the Bill introduced by Sally-Ann Hart, highlighting the issue of coercive control and financial abuse in domestic relationships. He emphasises that these issues are draining and have a profound impact on people's mental health and their ability to look after children. Mr. Fell also mentions the under-recognition of financial abuse and provides statistics: 2.4 million people in England and Wales have suffered from some form of domestic abuse, with over half being women. The CMS already has safeguards for victims but proposes using 'collect and pay' systems to prevent further coercion.

Ms. Lia Nici commends Sally-Ann Hart for introducing the Bill, recognising it as a significant step towards protecting victims of domestic abuse, particularly women. She highlights instances where partners use technology to control heating and create uncomfortable living conditions, reinforcing her support for measures that curb financial coercion and ensure recipients are not subjected to surcharges.

The MP thanked her colleagues for their support and highlighted the importance of the Bill in supporting victims of domestic abuse. She emphasised that financial control is unacceptable and stressed the need to stop systems from facilitating abuse. The Minister praised the work of third-sector organisations, acknowledged the importance of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and committed to implementing new training measures for Child Maintenance Service staff. She also mentioned the publication of an independent review and its recommendations for improving support mechanisms for victims of domestic abuse.

The MP welcomed the Bill, congratulating her colleague on bringing it forward. She emphasised that the legislation builds upon previous efforts to protect domestic abuse survivors and ensures that child maintenance support will not be used as a tool by abusers.

The MP congratulated his colleague on her work and highlighted the important role of third-sector organisations like Women of Stoke in supporting survivors. He strongly condemned the use of children as a tool for coercive control.

The MP suggested that body cameras should be used by social workers to record signs of domestic abuse when entering homes, thereby providing objective evidence for decision-making.

The MP pressed the Minister on the timeline for implementing changes to ensure that cases can be moved to collect and pay where there is evidence of domestic abuse.

Sally-Ann Hart thanked Members on both sides of the House, Public Bill Office, and officials from the Department for Work and Pensions for their support. She highlighted the need to continue the Government’s essential work in protecting women and children from domestic abuse. The MP also acknowledged specific concerns raised by other hon. members but remained confident that relevant Departments are considering these issues.

Acknowledged for his moving contribution, including the need to monitor paying parents' earnings closely.

Highlighted concerns about the Child Maintenance Service.

Expressed support for the Bill but raised a concern regarding the 4% fee for victims which should be waived. She welcomed assurances from the Minister that this matter is being considered.

Stressed the importance of parents fulfilling their financial obligations to support their children.

Contributed positively towards the debate.