Reduced Benefit Directions

HL Deb 24 January 2000 vol 608 c178WA

Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many reduced benefit directions have been given under Section 46 of the Child Support Act 1991 and under subsequent regulations; and what have been the outcomes of these directions. [HL541]

2. Baroness Hollis of Heigham

We think it is right that lone parents should co-operate wherever possible in seeking maintenance from the non-resident parent for their children. Under Section 46 of the 1991 Act, if the parent with care fails without good cause to apply for child support when required to do so in accordance with the provisions of Section 6, a reduced benefit direction can be imposed.

The total number of reduced benefit directions made by the Child Support Agency during the period May 1993 to August 1999 was around 230,000^* Of these, around 89,000^**parents with care have had deductions made from their Income Support as a result.

Note:

Figures rounded to nearest 1,000.

Sources:

^*CSA clerical statistics.

^**"Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries: May 1993 to August 1999.