§ Mr. ChannonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the formula for phasing in child support maintenance; if he will limit the increase in maintenance payments in cases of an existing court and order.
§ Mr. BurtThe existing provisions for phasing in child support maintenance payments apply where an absent parent with a court order or written maintenance agreement has a second family and a new liability of less than £60 a week which is over £20 more than his previous liability. In these circumstances the amount of any increase will be limited to £20 for the first 12 months. The Social Security Select Committee has recommended an extension of these arrangements. I am still considering the Committee's report and shall make an announcement as soon as possible.