§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will make an announcement on his plans to change the level of benefit deductions for parents with care who do not co-operate with the Child Support Agency without a good cause exemption; and what is the shortest period in which he estimates these changes could be introduced. [32899]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellWe hope to make an announcement shortly. It should be possible to implement any changes in the autumn of this year.
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§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what amount of benefit savings were made by the reduced benefit direction under the Child Support Act 1991 in each year since the implementation of the Act. [33060]
§ Mr. MitchellBenefit savings resulting from the reduced benefit direction have not been separately identified. However, it is estimated that the value of reduced benefit directions in income support is currently between £5 million and £10 million per annum.
§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the benefit savings that would be made if(a) the reduced benefit direction under the Child Support Act 1991 was increased to 40 per cent. of the adult personal allowance for a duration of 18 months and (b) the reduced benefit direction was increased to 40 per cent. and applied until the benefit claim ceased. [33059]
§ Mr. MitchellIt is estimated that the long-term benefit savings would be around £10 million and £15 million respectively.