§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what provisions are in place within CSA assessments to help with the additional costs that non-resident parents incur when they have to travel long distances and accommodate themselves in hotels in order to see their children. [83131]
§ Malcolm WicksA system of Departures from the formula exists in the current Child Support scheme. This allows a non-resident parent's maintenance assessment to be adjusted in cases where high contact costs are incurred. In the new scheme, this has been replaced by a system of Variations. These also take account of the cost of overnight accommodation where a return journey on the same day would be impractical. Under both schemes an award only takes effect when a threshold level of cost has been exceeded.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the reforms to the CSA system will be introduced; and when they will be extended to parents already in the CSA system. [83132]
§ Malcolm WicksI refer my hon. Friend to the letter sent to hon. Members on 19 September 2002 by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, a copy of which was placed in the Library. The new scheme will commence for existing clients when we are satisfied that it is working well, which we expect to be about a year later.
§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will implement new guidelines for assessments by the Child Support Agency for existing clients. [84170]
§ Malcolm WicksI refer the hon. Member to the letter sent to hon. Members on 19 September 2002 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, a copy of which is available in the Library. The new scheme will commence618W for existing clients when we are satisfied that it is working well, which we expect to be about a year later than for new clients.