To ask the Minister for Communities whether the Child Maintenance Service operates with formal guidance, internal targets or service standards in relation to providing a response to a child maintenance appeal once it has been lodged.

Appeals on a maintenance calculation decision made by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), are dealt with by The Appeals Service (TAS), within the Department for Communities.

When making decisions in respect of appeals, CMS staff will reference the Department for Communities Decision Makers Guide for Child Maintenance. This guide is publicly available for review via the Department’s website. Chapter 48 is relevant to Appeals.

https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/decision-makers-guide-child-maintenance-review-and-appeals

Following lodgement of a valid Appeal by an appellant, through submission of a 'Notification of Appeal' application, The Appeals Service NI must respond within 3 working days confirming receipt.