§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how(a) current over and under-payments and (b) outstanding arrears are planned to be dealt with under the proposals outlined in the Green Paper on the Child Support Agency. [54117]
§ Mr. DenhamNon-resident parents have a responsibility to support their children, including paying for their upkeep.
We are not proposing any reassessment of arrears due under the current formula on the introduction of a new child support scheme, as outlined in the Green Paper "Children First: a new approach to child support" (Cm 3992). Non-resident parents will be expected to pay 749W the amounts calculated under the present arrangements and appropriate collection and enforcement action will be taken if there are outstanding underpayments or arrears.
Where child support has been overpaid, we propose to continue the existing arrangements. Non-resident parents will receive full reimbursement for any child support paid over and above their actual liability either through a reduction in the amount of their child support payments or as a lump sum repayment.