The Department’s own assessment to the NAO “that around 50% of fraud referrals to its Financial Investigations Unit are unfounded” indicates that the system is not functioning as it should be, and, as we will return to later, demonstrates how conflict is encouraged. The Department currently requires evidence for referrals to its Financial Investigations Unit “to safeguard against vexatious claims”. An illustrative 46 Children in poverty: Child Maintenance Service list of the evidence required...

The Department’s own assessment to the NAO “that around 50% of fraud referrals to its Financial Investigations Unit are unfounded” indicates that the system is not functioning as it should be, and, as we will return to later, demonstrates how conflict is encouraged. The Department currently requires evidence for referrals to its Financial Investigations Unit “to safeguard against vexatious claims”. An illustrative 46 Children in poverty: Child Maintenance Service list of the evidence required to make a referral to the Financial Investigations Unit should be made available to receiving parents, alongside guidance on where they might reliably f Type: conclusion | Number: 6 | Paragraph: 39 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: The CMS takes fraud very seriously and works tirelessly to ensure fair and regular maintenance payments for all families who need to use its services. The CMS use every means at its disposal to ensure children receive the maintenance they are