§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Child Support Agency will instigate a system of credits so that cross-subsidies from parents are taken fully into account; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtThe formula which the Child Support Agency uses to assess maintenance contains a protected income provision which takes account of the fact that a parent is supporting stepchildren, and of whether or not maintenance is paid for those children.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what current review the Child Support Agency is undertaking in respect of maintenance payments in clean-break divorces where arrangements have been made by courts; and if he will make a statement.
597W
§ Mr. BurtAny review of child support policy is a matter for Ministers, not the Child Support Agency. As with any new policy, the improved arrangements for child maintenance are being carefully monitored. If, in the light of experience, the system can be made even better, changes will be considered.