Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (REMO) statistics: FOI release

Information requested

Information regarding the current and recent backlog of cases handled under the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (REMO) system in Scotland.

You specifically asked if we could provide:

1. The number of REMO cases received by the Scottish Central Authority in each of the past five years (or the most recent years for which data are available).

2. The number of cases currently awaiting processing or completion (“backlog”), and if possible, a breakdown by originating country.

3. The average or median processing time for REMO cases (from receipt to registration or enforcement in a Scottish court).

4. Any published reports or performance indicators relating to REMO case handling times or outcomes.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

In regard to the number of REMO cases received by the Scottish Central Authority for the last full 5 years, 2020-2024, this is as follows:

• 2020 106 applications;
• 2021 86 applications;
• 2022 78 applications;
• 2023 92 applications; and
• 2024 117 applications.

The Scottish Central Authority begin the processing of applications as soon as practicably possible after receiving them. There are no specific processing times laid down, since this will vary depending on the facts and circumstances of each individual case. At the time of writing we have 4 cases and these are from Australia, Azerbaijan, Poland and South Africa.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. The reasons why we don't have the information are explained below.

Your request asks for average or median processing times for REMO cases (from receipt to registration or enforcement in a Scottish court). We do not hold this information. As regards the court processing times, the Scottish courts are independent of the Scottish Government. We have no control over the time the court process will take, and we do not hold information on court processing times.

You may find it helpful to contact the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service who are responsible for the operation of the Scottish courts.

We are unable to provide you with details of any published reports or performance indicators relating to REMO case handling times or outcomes as the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have all the information you have requested.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.