A new 24-hour transfer policy is being introduced to fix backlogs in child maintenance payments after mothers complained that money paid through the courts was not reaching them promptly.

The concern was raised at Thursday night’s St John’s Rural South town hall, where a mother told officials that although fathers were making payments, funds were taking too long to move through the system before becoming available for collection. She said the delays were especially difficult for families with high needs, including her two autistic children who require significant care.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said an internal review was conducted after repeated complaints. He said Permanent Secretary Hildred Simpson met with senior court officials to address the bottleneck.

“The permanent secretary, Mrs Simpson, looked into the matter and she has spoken with the registrar, the deputy registrar, who is responsible for the family court,” Benjamin said. “They are now establishing a system where monies are sent immediately, no longer than 24 hours from the high court, down to the court where you can collect your funds.”

Benjamin said the breakdown had led some mothers to believe payments were not being made, when in fact the funds had been lodged but were delayed in processing.