HL Deb 16 April 1996 vol 571 cc61-2WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To explain in more detail what is meant by a "gross IS footing", as referred to by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration in his third report (Investigation of Complaints against the Child Support Agency), page 55, paragraph 7; and whether they intend to apply this procedure more frequently.

The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the noble Lord.

Letter to Earl Russell from the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency, Miss Ann Chant, dated 16th April 1996.

I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to Her Majesty's Government concerning gross payment of income support to parents with care (PWC).

Where a PWC is entitled to income support as well as child support maintenance, she may be paid on either a gross or net basis. In gross cases the Benefits Agency pays the entire weekly benefit entitlement in full. This includes a sum in respect of child support maintenance. The Child Support Agency subsequently collects the maintenance from the absent parent (AP) and repays the public purse for the Benefits Agency's outlay. This contrasts with net cases, where child support maintenance is paid separately to the PWC. The Benefits Agency then pays the remaining balance of the weekly entitlement as income support.

Agency guidance stresses that payment direct to the PWC is the preferred approach. Where the AP complies with his responsibilities, this provides a visible and immediate work incentive, minimises agency involvement in the forum of family life and limits the need for administrative action. As a result the agency has no current plans to extend the scope of gross payment. The agency already routinely moves from net to gross payment where a PWC on income support experiences difficulties. This ensures that the PWC receives full income support entitlement each week, even where maintenance is not paid.

I hope this is helpful.