§ Mr. PearsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 24 June,Official Report, column 490, in what circumstances child support assessments may exceed 30 per cent, of an absent parent's net income. [6051]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyAn absent parent may be required to pay more than 30 per cent. of his net income, as assessed under the maintenance formula, if he is subject to an interim maintenance assessment because he has not co-operated with the Child Support Agency or if he owes arrears. Any absent parent who has co-operated with the 207W Agency will retain at least 70 per cent. of his net income. In exceptional circumstances, an assessment may also exceed 30 per cent. of an absent parent's net income where the £1 de minimis rule on a change of circumstances applies and assessment is not immediately revised; or where the absent parent is required to pay the minimum amount (currently £5 a week) and his total income is £16.66 or less a week.