§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which of the considerations which can affect child support maintenance payments under the current procedures will not come within the definition of exceptional expenses that tribunals will be allowed to take into account under the new proposals set out in 'Children First'; [63894]
(2) if he will define the term, substantial change, used in Chapter 5, paragraph 18, of the Green Paper, Children First; what representations he has received concerning this term; and if he will publish those representations; [63890]
(3) what plans he has to alter the amount by which a weekly maintenance payment must change before the maintenance liability is reset by the CSA. [63891]
§ Angela EagleA full analysis of responses to the Green Paper has not yet been completed. There have so far been over 1,500 written representations and comments are still being received. The outcome of the consultation process, together with our detailed proposals for reforming the child support system, will be published in due course.
§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the annual running costs of the proposed new Child Support Service outlined in the Green Paper, 'Children First'; and what plans he has for a new computer system to handle the new procedures. [63892]
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§ Angela EagleIt is not possible to produce accurate estimates of running costs until the shape of the new Child Support service is finalised.
Support for a reformed Child Support service would be developed as a key part of the Department's wider plans for modernising its computer systems.