§ Mr. PearsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the maximum percentage of net income that an absent parent may be liable to pay; and if she will make a statement. [4628]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyChild support assessments made under the maintenance formula are generally restricted to 30 per cent. of an absent parent's net income. Most absent parents pay significantly lower amounts, although higher percentages can apply, for example where an interim maintenance assessment has been imposed in an effort to secure the absent parent's co-operation or the absent parent is in arrears with his payments.
We will be looking closely at all aspects of child support policy over the forthcoming months.