§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment framework is employed by the Child Support Agency to decide the level of a working nonresident parent's child maintenance contributions. [7586]
§ Malcolm WicksCurrently, the amount of child maintenance a non-resident parent is required to pay is calculated in accordance with a formula set out in the Child Support Act 1991 and the Maintenance Assessment and Special Cases Regulations. The formula takes account of both parents' ability to maintain their children. Both parents' incomes and essential living expenses are considered and it can take up to 100 pieces of information to assess maintenance.
From April 2002, a much simpler maintenance calculation will be used, based on percentage rates of the non-resident parent's net income (15 per cent. for one child, 20 per cent. for two children and 25 per cent. for three or more children). The rates will be reduced for non-resident parents on low incomes, for those who share the care of qualifying children and for those with children (including stepchildren) in a second family.
§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if existing cases will be given priority in the implementation of the Child Support Agency reforms. [11573]
§ Malcolm WicksChanges to the child support scheme will take effect for new cases from April 2002. Existing cases will be transferred to the new scheme as soon as we are confident that it is working well for new cases.