§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what his policy is on the termination of pre-existing endowment mortgages in order to establish a right to include payments towards the purchase of a new home in assessments of child support. [119321]
§ Angela EagleHousing costs, including those from repayment and endowment mortgages, are currently taken into account in the calculation of child support maintenance liability. However, if they are considered to442W be excessive, the amount allowed in the assessment may be restricted. Where a non-resident parent moves house, his new housing costs will be taken into account, although the existing assessment will be changed only if the effect of the new housing costs is to increase or reduce the liability by more than a fixed minimum amount.