§ Mr. Peter BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications have been made to the Child Support Agency for the deferment of arrears; and how many have been granted. [73719]
§ Angela EagleInformation is not available about the number of applications for deferment of arrears. However, Child Support Agency records show that there are currently 7,647 cases, where arrears of child support maintenance have been deferred. As at 31 January 1999 the Agency had made 1,233 payments of compensation to parents with care under the deferred debt scheme.
§ Mr. Peter BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions his Department has had with the Child Support Agency over its decision not to inform non-resident parents of the Government's policy on the deferment of arrears arising from delays in the Agency's completion of assessments. [73718]
§ Angela EagleChild Support Officers are expected to consider whether deferment of arrears should be offered in all cases where arrears of maintenance are due to delay by the Child Support Agency in completing initial maintenance assessments and periodic or change of circumstance reviews. A non-resident parent may also ask the Agency to consider deferring arrears of maintenance at any time. We are satisfied that these arrangements are sufficient to ensure that non-resident parents are offered deferment of arrears, whenever this is appropriate.