§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) in how many cases since 1 January the Child Support Agency has incorrectly cancelled existing deductions from earnings orders; and if he will make a statement; [135211]
(2) in (a) how many and (b) what percentage of cases in the last 12 months a maintenance enquiry form to the non-resident parent was not issued within (i) one month, (ii) two months and (iii) three months of an application being made to the Child Support Agency by the parent with care. [135212]
§ Mr. PondThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
1340WLetter from Mike Isaac to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 20 November 2003
In replying to your recent Parliamentary questions about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive. As heis currently on leave I am replying on his behalf.
You asked in how many cases since 1st January the Child Support Agency has incorrectly cancelled existing deductions from earnings orders.
You also asked in how many and what percentage of cases in the last 12 months a maintenance enquiry form to the non-resident parent was not issued within (a) one month, (b) two months and (c) three months of an application being made to the Child Support Agency by the parent with care.
I am afraid that the information, which you requested, is not available. There has been no requirement to collect it under the old Child Support scheme and computer system.
As you are aware the new Child Support scheme and computer system were introduced for new applications on 3rd March this year. It is our intention to collect information of the type, which you have requested, and we are working with EDS, the new system providers, to develop the functionality we need to do this.
It is worth pointing out that under the new scheme we are conducting as much of our work as possible by telephone, directly with both parents. Consequently, most maintenance enquiry forms are completed by our staff through telephone interviews with the non-resident parent. Only where we are unable to trace a telephone number for the non-resident parent do we issue a clerical form for his/her completion.
§ Judy MallaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) whether, in determining the maintenance liability of self-employed parents, the Child Support Agency is obliged to take into account reductions in taxable income arising from capital depreciation and other allowances; [136774]
(2) whether the Child Support Agency is required to use the level of taxable income declared to the Inland Revenue as the basis for determining the maintenance liability of a self-employed parent. [136775]
§ Mr. PondNo. The Child Support Agency is not obliged to take into account capital depreciation and other allowances or to use the level of taxable income declared to the Inland Revenue in establishing the earnings of self-employed parents. Regulations allow the use of information submitted to or provided by the Inland Revenue or of information relating to the parent's business expenses.
Departures and variations may be available in cases where the calculation of child support liability does not produce a fair rate.