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Child Support Agency
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Child Support Agency (22)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are being taken to ensure that individuals whose partners are self-employed can still receive Child Support Agency payments.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are being taken to ensure that individuals whose partners are self-employed can still receive Child Support Agency payments.
Asked by
Adam Holloway
(Conservative)
Answered by
James Plaskitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 October 2005
For answer on
19 October 2005
Answered on
24 January 2006
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Mr. Stephen Geraghty. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 25 January 2006:"You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are being taken to ensure that individuals whose partners are self-employed can still receive Child Support Agency payments.""For employed non-resident parents who are initially non-compliant the Agency seeks to use deduction-from-earnings orders to secure maintenance. For self- employed non-resident parents these powers are inappropriate. In these cases the Agency instead uses one or more of a range of its other legal debt enforcement powers.""Enforcement measures available to the Agency include:""Liability Orders""Collection via Bailiffs""County Court Judgements""Third Party Debt Orders (eg bank arrestment)""Charging Order (to realise the debt from the sale of an asset)""Order for Sale""Commitment to Prison or withdrawal of Driving Licence""The Agency's enforcement teams are becoming much more successful in utilising these powers. This is demonstrated by the significant improvement in the in-month cash collections achieved, rising from £0.52 million in January 2005 to £1.42 million in November 2005. An analysis of a sample of debt enforcement cases indicates that approximately 73 % are self-employed non-resident parents."
Subjects
Children; Maintenance; Self-employed
Date
24 January 2006
Reference
19809; 441 c2055W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the compliance rate for the self-employed in cases with the Child Support Agency.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the compliance rate for the self-employed in cases with the Child Support Agency.
Asked by
David Laws
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
James Plaskitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 November 2005
For answer on
17 November 2005
Answered on
29 November 2005
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Stephen Geraghty to Mr. David Laws, dated 29 November 2005:"In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.""You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made for the compliance rate for the self-employed in cases with the Child Support Agency.""In September 2005, the case compliance rate for collection service cases in which non-resident parent was classified as self-employed was 63%. This compares to an overall Agency case compliance rate of 70%.""A case is defined as case compliant if it was open at the end of the reporting period, and had paid all or part of any maintenance that was due (either regular or arrears) via the collection service over the preceding quarter.""Additionally, the Agency measures cash compliance, which is the total amount of maintenance received via the collection service over any three month period as a percentage of the total amount charged (both regular maintenance and arrears). In September 2005, the cash compliance rate for cases in which non resident parent was classified as self-employed was 60%. This compares to an overall Agency cash compliance rate of 68%.""These figures for self-employed reflect the status of the non-resident parent currently held on the system as at the last intervention by the Agency. This will not necessarily reflect the current status of the non-resident parent if the Agency has not been informed of, or not yet actioned, a change of circumstances.""I hope you find this helpful."
Subjects
Children; Maintenance; Non-payment; Self-employed
Date
29 November 2005
Reference
440 c420-1W;440 c420-1W; 30065
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many non-resident parents there are with outstanding Child Support Agency cases where the main source of income comes from self-employment; in how many of these cases money has been received since 1997; and what the average amount is of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many non-resident parents there are with outstanding Child Support Agency cases where the main source of income comes from self-employment; in how many of these cases money has been received since 1997; and what the average amount is of...
Asked by
David Laws
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
James Plaskitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 October 2005
For answer on
14 October 2005
Answered on
28 November 2005
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Stephen Geraghty to Mr. David Laws dated 28 November 2005:"In reply to your parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the chief executive.""You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many non-resident parents there are with outstanding Child Support Agency cases where the main source of income comes from self-employment; in how many of these cases money has been received since 1997; and what the average amount is of maintenance paid by (a) non-resident parents overall and (b) non-resident parents who are self-employed.""Information relating to outstanding Child Support applications cannot be broken down by employment status. This is because cases may not have reached the point in the information gathering process where the employment status details are obtained. Where such applications are outstanding, no maintenance will have been received.""Over the quarter ending August 2005, across all schemes, the average amount of maintenance received per case in which maintenance was due (via the collection service) was 328. The average amount of maintenance paid per case in which the non-resident parent was self-employed was 449.""Notes:"1. Quarterly figures are provided because this is consistent with the Agency's compliance measurement. It also takes account of the variations in NRP payment patterns which make it difficult to produce an accurate average over a shorter time frame
2. This excludes cases for which no maintenance was due via the collection service (e.g. cases with a nil liability and maintenance direct).
3. The figures quoted relate to the average amount of maintenance received per case, as opposed to the value of the average calculation. A non-resident parent can pay maintenance in respect of more than one case.
4. The figures for the self-employed presented reflect the status of the non-resident parent currently held on the system as of the last intervention by the Agency. This will not necessarily reflect the current status of the non-resident parent if the Agency has not been informed of (or not yet actioned) a change of circumstances.
5. Figures are rounded to the nearest pound."I hope you find this information helpful."
Subjects
Children; Maintenance; Parents; Non-payment; Self-employed
Date
28 November 2005
Reference
18784; 440 c71-2W;440 c71-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how long the longest CSA enforcement case in respect of a self-employed non-resident parent has been outstanding. - Inc text of letter from Doug Smith of Child Support Agency.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how long the longest CSA enforcement case in respect of a self-employed non-resident parent has been outstanding. - Inc text of letter from Doug Smith of Child Support Agency.
Asked by
Chris Ruane
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 October 2004
For answer on
18 November 2004
Answered on
18 November 2004
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how long the longest CSA enforcement case in respect of a
self-employed non-resident parent has been outstanding. [190272]
Mr. Pond: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to my
hon. Friend with the information requested.
Letter from Mike Isaac to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 18 November 2004:
In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply
from the Chief Executive. As he is currently on leave I am replying on his behalf.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how long the longest Child Support Agency enforcement case in respect of a
self-employed non-resident parent has been outstanding.
The case that has been with our enforcement teams for the longest period of time was first referred around 10 years ago. The
non-resident parents main source of income is derived from self- employment. The case is currently being taken forward for committal
proceedings.
The average length of time a case remains with enforcement before it is cleared is 1 year 5 months. This represents the time taken
from acceptance until the liability order is paid in full or the non-resident parent has proved that he is meeting his maintenance
liability.
Subjects
Children; Child Support Agency; Enforcement; Maintenance; Parents; Overseas residence; Self-employed
Date
18 November 2004
Reference
426 c1864-5W;426 c1868-9W; 190272
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases against self employed non-resident parents there have been in the last three years; and what percentage have been successful in recovering payment. - Including table and text of letter from Doug Smith of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases against self employed non-resident parents there have been in the last three years; and what percentage have been successful in recovering payment. - Including table and text of letter from Doug Smith of...
Asked by
Chris Ruane
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 October 2004
For answer on
13 October 2004
Answered on
13 October 2004
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases against self
employed non-resident parents there have been in the last three years; and what percentage have been successful in recovering
payment. [190270]
Mr. Pond: The 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.
Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 13 October 2004:
In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply
from the Chief Executive.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases against self employed
non-resident parents there have been in the last three years; and what percentage have been successful in recovering payment.
We are unable to provide these figures as we do not record employment status on the relevant information system. However, I can tell
you that the last 3 years:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Number
Liability orders were granted by the court 7,814
Third party debt orders lodged were lodged at court 608
Charging orders were lodged at court 718
Committal files have been referred to solicitors 328
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Child Support Agency; Enforcement; Maintenance; Overseas residence; Non-payment; Self-employed
Date
13 October 2004
Reference
425 c287-8W; 190270
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases in respect of self-employed non-resident parents are outstanding. - Including figures and text of letter from Doug Smith of the CSA.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases in respect of self-employed non-resident parents are outstanding. - Including figures and text of letter from Doug Smith of the CSA.
Asked by
Chris Ruane
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 October 2004
For answer on
13 October 2004
Answered on
13 October 2004
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases in respect of
self-employed non- resident parents are outstanding. [190453]
Mr. Pond: The 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.
Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 13 October 2004:
In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply
from the Chief Executive.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Child Support Agency enforcement cases in respect of self- employed
non-resident parents are outstanding.
There are currently 14,856 cases with our specialist enforcement teams. I am unable to say how many of these derive their main
source of income from self-employment.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Child Support Agency; Enforcement; Maintenance; Overseas residence; Self-employed
Date
13 October 2004
Reference
425 c288W; 190453
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total amount is of maintenance arrears outstanding in respect of self-employed non-resident parents who are subject to or awaiting CSA enforcement action. - No figures. Including text of letter from Doug Smith of the CSA.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total amount is of maintenance arrears outstanding in respect of self-employed non-resident parents who are subject to or awaiting CSA enforcement action. - No figures. Including text of letter from Doug Smith of the CSA.
Asked by
Chris Ruane
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 October 2004
For answer on
13 October 2004
Answered on
13 October 2004
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total amount is of maintenance arrears outstanding in
respect of self-employed non- resident parents who are subject to or awaiting CSA enforcement action. [190271]
Mr. Pond: The 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.
Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 13 October 2004:
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total amount is of maintenance arrears outstanding in respect of
self-employed non-resident parents who are subject to or awaiting Child Support Agency enforcement action.
We are unable to provide the information as we do not separately identify those cases whose main source of income is from
self-employment.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Arrears; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Overseas residence; Self-employed
Date
13 October 2004
Reference
425 c288W; 190271
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many self employed non-resident parents have failed to meet the required Child Support Agency calculated maintenance payments in the last 12 months; and how many of these cases remain unresolved. - Inc figures and text of letter from Doug...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many self employed non-resident parents have failed to meet the required Child Support Agency calculated maintenance payments in the last 12 months; and how many of these cases remain unresolved. - Inc figures and text of letter from Doug...
Asked by
John Barrett
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 January 2004
For answer on
12 February 2004
Answered on
12 February 2004
Subjects
Children; Maintenance; Self-employed
Date
12 February 2004
Reference
417 c1591W;417 c1590W; 147836
House
House of Commons
Deposited by
Department for Work and Pensions; Child Support Agency
Type
Deposited papers
Author
Department for Work and Pensions; Child Support Agency
Committed on
1 December 2003
Originated on
26 November 2003
Received on
1 December 2003
Subjects
Child support; Children; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Parents; Self-employed
Lords Library location
HINF 2003/2378
Date
1 December 2003
Reference
HINF 2003/2378
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will (a) enable and (b) encourage the Child Support Agency to make deduction of earnings orders against self-employed absent parents; what action he is taking to align the processes by which the Child Support Agency treats self-employed absent...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will (a) enable and (b) encourage the Child Support Agency to make deduction of earnings orders against self-employed absent parents; what action he is taking to align the processes by which the Child Support Agency treats self-employed absent...
Asked by
Brian Jenkins
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 July 2003
For answer on
11 September 2003
Answered on
11 September 2003
Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will (a) enable and (b) encourage the Child Support
Agency to make deduction of earnings orders against self-employed absent parents; [127293]
(2) what action he is taking to align the processes by which the Child Support Agency treats self-employed absent parents and PAYE
absent parents. [127302]
Mr. Pond: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the
hon. Member.
Letter from Doug Smith to Brian Jenkins, dated 11 September 2003:
The Secretary of State in replying to your recent Parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency promised a substantive reply
from the Chief Executive.
You ask what action is being taken to align the processes by which the Child Support Agency treats self-employed absent parents and
PAYE absent parents.
You also asked if he will (a) enable and (b) encourage the Child Support Agency to make deduction of earnings orders against self
employed absent parents.
The Child Support Agency calculates maintenance due from employed and self-employed non-resident parents using broadly the same
processes. In essence this requires the non-resident parent to verify their declared income and if we are satisfied, for a
calculation to be made.
Deductions from earnings orders require an employer to deduct money from the salary of their employee. For self-employed non-
resident parents, this method of collecting maintenance is not normally appropriate. Instead we deploy a range of alternative
enforcement mechanisms, including: (a) Levying of distress involving the use of Bailiffs (b) Establishing a third party debt
order--allowing money owed to the debtor to be frozen and sent to us to cover the outstanding debt (c) Establishing a charging
order--registering the debt against certain assets owned by the debtor (d) Registering a County Court judgement, which may affect
the debtors credit rating (e) Applying for a warrant to commit the debtor to prison or for an order preventing them from holding or
obtaining a driving licence.
The position I describe applies to England and Wales with a different but broadly similar approach in Scotland.
There are no current proposals to align enforcement arrangements to ensure exactly the same approach is taken to achieve compliance.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; PAYE; Self-employed
Date
11 September 2003
Reference
410 c403W;410 c443W; 127293;127302
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what strategies exist for the Child Support Agency to ensure that those who are self-employed can be compelled to pay maintenance for their children; and if he will make a statement. - Inc text of letter from Doug Smith of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what strategies exist for the Child Support Agency to ensure that those who are self-employed can be compelled to pay maintenance for their children; and if he will make a statement. - Inc text of letter from Doug Smith of...
Asked by
Hywel Francis
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Pond
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 July 2003
For answer on
11 July 2003
Answered on
11 July 2003
Dr. Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what strategies exist for the Child Support Agency to ensure that
those who are self-employed can be compelled to pay maintenance for their children; and if he will make a statement. [124025]
Mr. Pond: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the
hon. Member.
Letter from Doug Smith to Dr. Francis, dated 11 July 2003:
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent Parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency
promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
You ask what strategies exist for the Child Support Agency to ensure that those who are self-employed can be compelled to pay
maintenance for their children; and if he will make a statement.
In these circumstances the non resident parent will be approached by a caseworker who will seek to reach an agreement on payment
which is acceptable to all parties. If that does not prove possible, the caseworker will make a decision on the most appropriate
payment arrangement, having regard to all relevant facts and will seek the agreement of the non resident parent to that. If that is
not agreed the Agency may apply to the Magistrates Court for a Liability Order, which is required before we can take any formal
enforcement proceedings.
If the Court has granted a Liability Order, we may then try to recover the debt by one or more of the following actions: (a) Levying
of distress involving the use of Bailiffs (b) Establishing a third party debt order--allowing money owed to the debtor to be frozen
and sent to us to cover the outstanding debt (c) Establishing a charging order--registering the debt against certain assets owned by
the debtor (d) Registering a County Court judgement, which may affect the debtors credit rating (e) Applying for a warrant to commit
the debtor to prison or for an order preventing then from holding or obtaining a driving licence.
The position I describe applies to England and Wales with a different but broadly similar approach in Scotland.
Subjects
Children; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Parents; Self-employed
Date
11 July 2003
Reference
124025; 408 c1036W;408 c1034W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what methods are employed by the Child Support Agency to recover arrears of child maintenance by absent self-employed parents. - Including text of letter from Doug Smith of the Child Support Agency.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what methods are employed by the Child Support Agency to recover arrears of child maintenance by absent self-employed parents. - Including text of letter from Doug Smith of the Child Support Agency.
Asked by
Huw Edwards
(Labour)
Answered by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 June 2003
For answer on
16 June 2003
Answered on
16 June 2003
Mr. Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what methods are employed by the Child Support Agency to
recover arrears of child maintenance by absent self-employed parents. [118029]
Malcolm Wicks: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to
the hon. Member.
Letter from Doug Smith to Huw Edwards of 13 June 2003:
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent Parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency
promised a substantive replyfrom the Chief Executive.
You ask what methods are employed by the Child Support Agency to recover arrears of child maintenance by absent self- employed
parents.
In these circumstances the non resident parent will be approached by a caseworker who will seek to reach an agreement on payment
which is acceptable to all parties. If that does not prove possible the caseworker will make a decision on the most appropriate
payment arrangement having regard to all relevant facts and will seek the agreement of the non resident parent to that. If that is
not agreed the Agency may apply to the Magistrates Court for a Liability Order, which is required before we can take any formal
enforcement proceedings.
If the Court has granted a Liability Order, we may then try to recover the debt by one or more of the following actions: (a) Levying
of distress involving the use of Bailiffs (b) Establishing a third party debt order--allowing money owed to the debtor to be frozen
and sent to us to cover the outstanding debt (c) Establishing a charging order- registering the debt against certain assets owned by
the debtor (d) Registering a County Court judgement, which may affect the debtors creditrating (e) Applying for a warrant to commit
the debtor to prison or for an order preventing them from holding or obtaining a driving licence.
The position I describe applies to England and Wales with a different but broadly similar approach in Scotland.
Subjects
Children; Arrears; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Self-employed
Date
16 June 2003
Reference
118029; 407 c91-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many times the Child Support Agency has requested information from the Inland Revenue regarding the income of self-employed non-resident parents; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures and text of letter from Doug Smith of the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many times the Child Support Agency has requested information from the Inland Revenue regarding the income of self-employed non-resident parents; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures and text of letter from Doug Smith of the...
Asked by
Steve Webb
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 July 2002
For answer on
15 July 2002
Answered on
15 July 2002
Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many times the Child Support Agency has requested information from
the Inland Revenue regarding the income of self-employed non-resident parents; and if he will make a statement. [69021]
Malcolm Wicks: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to
the hon. Member.
Letter from Mr. Doug Smith to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 15 July 2002:
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency
promised a substantive reply by me.
You have asked how many times the Child Support Agency has requested information from the Inland Revenue regarding the income of
self employed non-resident parents.
In the year to 31{st} March 2002 the Child Support Agency issued 19,182 self-employed earnings enquiries to the Inland Revenue's Tax
Information Distribution Office. In the immediately preceding year 9,121 enquiries were made.
I hope this is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Child Support Agency; Inland Revenue; Maintenance; Personal income; Parents; Self-employed
Date
15 July 2002
Reference
69021; 389 c116W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what powers the Child Support Agency has to obtain child support from a self-employed absent parent who has not contributed maintenance to a parent with care; and how these powers have been used in the case of Elaine Lanchbury, a...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what powers the Child Support Agency has to obtain child support from a self-employed absent parent who has not contributed maintenance to a parent with care; and how these powers have been used in the case of Elaine Lanchbury, a...
Asked by
Huw Edwards
(Labour)
Answered by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 January 2002
For answer on
6 March 2002
Answered on
6 March 2002
Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what powers the Child Support Agency has to obtain child support
from a self-employed absent parent who has not contributed maintenance to a parent with care; and how these powers have been used in
the case of Elaine Lanchbury, a constituent. [31116]
Malcolm Wicks: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to
the hon. Member. Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Huw Edwards, dated 4 March 2002:
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in relying to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency
promised a substantive reply by me.
You have asked firstly what powers the Child Support Agency has to obtain child support from a self-employed non-resident parent who
has not contributed maintenance to a parent with care and secondly how these powers have been used in the case of Elaine Lanchbury a
constituent.
There are a number of options available which can be considered when the Agency is trying to obtain maintenance payments from a
non-compliant, self-employed non-resident parent.
Those options include: County Court Judgement--entering a Liability Order on the register which is passed to Credit Reference
Agencies, referring a case to Bailiffs, a garnishee order--which allows recovery from money held in a bank account, a charging
order--which enables the payment of debts to be secured by a charge on land or property and referral of a case to court for it to
consider committal to prison or withdrawal or holding of a driving licence.
Individual cases are a confidential matter and I have written to you separately regarding Ms Lanchbury.
I hope this is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Powers; Payments; Self-employed
Date
6 March 2002
Reference
31116; 381 c411-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many absent parents in each of the last three years filed returns with the Child Support Agency stating that they were self-employed. - Includes figures and table and text of letter from Faith Boardman of the Child Support Agency.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many absent parents in each of the last three years filed returns with the Child Support Agency stating that they were self-employed. - Includes figures and table and text of letter from Faith Boardman of the Child Support Agency.
Asked by
Baroness Winterton of Doncaster
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 February 1999
For answer on
15 February 1999
Answered on
15 February 1999
Ms Rosie Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many absent parents in each of the last three years filed
returns with the Child Support Agency stating that they were self-employed. [70430]
Angela Eagle: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will
write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Faith Boardman to Ms Rosie Winterton, dated 11 February 1999:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the self employed non-resident
parents dealt with by Child Support Agency.
I am not able to provide all of the information in the precise format that you have requested, but have provided as much as is
available.
Information relating to the number of self employed non-resident parents who have had a maintenance assessment is produced by the
Analytical Services Division of the Department of Social Security.
The Department of Social Security Analytical Services Division publish quarterly a summary of statistics relating to child support;
the latest report was published today and shows that at November 1998 36,500 maintenance assessment cases referred to self employed
non-resident parents. The full report is available in the House of Commons library. Information for previous years and comparisons
with the total live and assessed caseload are shown in the table attached.
We acknowledge that cases where the non-resident parent is self employed can be more difficult to progress, especially where the
non-resident parent does not wish to co-operate. The key to assure early co-operation is by personal contact with our clients. By
approaching clients at the initial stages of their assessment we aim to build a better relationship with them, address their
concerns promptly and provide an improved level of service.
We have recently completed a pilot study in the South Western Business Unit, looking at how best to process self employed cases.
Trials using dedicated staff dealing exclusively with the self employed have shown a marked reduction in processing time and an
increase in the collection of maintenance. We intend to have specific sections, supported by accountants where necessary, in each of
the other 5 front line Business Unit by March 1999 to deal exclusively with self employed customers.
The Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill published on 10 February 1999 contains a provision which allows the Inland Revenue to pass
information about the earnings of a self employed non-resident parent where the Agency enquiries have failed to establish the facts.
This will allow assessments to be made in a number of the most difficult cases.
Additionally, we have increased resources for our Client Helplines and the National Enquiry Line, extended our hours of opening to
cover 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays and carried out trials to greatly improve and increase
clients' opportunities to secure a face to face service.
I hope this is helpful.
Maintenance assessments for self employed non-resident parents
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
November 1996 November 1997 November 1998
Live and assessed caseload 545,900 694,500 864,400
Self Employed cases 21,100 28,900 36,500
Self Employed cases as % of live 4% 4% 4%
and assessed caseload
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Self-employed
Date
15 February 1999
Reference
70430; 325 c532-4W;325 c534-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what were the arrears of child support payments owed by self-employed non-resident parents to children living in Wolverhampton on 30th September. - Including ref to Children First Consultation Paper and text of letter from Faith Boardman of the Child Support Agency.Inc...
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what were the arrears of child support payments owed by self-employed non-resident parents to children living in Wolverhampton on 30th September. - Including ref to Children First Consultation Paper and text of letter from Faith Boardman of the Child Support Agency.Inc...
Asked by
Jenny Jones
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 December 1998
For answer on
16 December 1998
Answered on
16 December 1998
Ms Jenny Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the arrears of child support payments owed by
self-employed non-resident parents to children living in Wolverhampton on 30 September. [63435]
Angela Eagle: We expect the Child Support Agency to provide a consistent, fair and efficient service to all its clients. We have set
out proposals for radical reform in our Green Paper "Children First: a new approach to child support" (Cm3992).
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon.
Friend.
Letter from Faith Boardman to Ms Jenny Jones, dated 15 December 1998:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about child support payments owed by self
employed non-resident parents to children in Wolverhampton.
I cannot provide precisely all the information that you have requested, but have provided as much as possible from information
available.
The Agency has six front-line Business Units; each of these consists of a Child Support Agency Centre and associated field offices.
Cases where the parent with care lives in Wolverhampton are dealt with by the Midlands Business Unit for which information has been
provided.
At 30 September 1998 the amount of child support full maintenance assessment debt for the Midlands Business Unit was £91,546,756.
This can be broken down further to £53,371,759(58.3%) collectable debt, £35,611,688(38.9%) possibly uncollectable debt and
£2,563,309(2.8%) deferred debt. Deferred debt is where the Agency has deferred the debt indefinitely, provided non-resident parents
meet certain conditions on payment of regular maintenance and any remaining debt. Where appropriate the parent with care will be
compensated for the loss of this money.
To further increase the flow of maintenance and to help non-resident parents pay the arrears that they owe, wherever possible the
Agency makes every effort to re-schedule debts; re-scheduled debts are those where the Agency has negotiated a closely monitored
agreement with the non-resident parent to pay arrears by instalments. The amount of debt re-scheduled included in the £91,546,756 at
30 September 1998 was £69,513,784.
It is not possible to say how much of this debt is owed by self employed non-resident parents, however I can tell you that 3.5% of
the Midlands Business Unit's live and assessed caseload relate to cases where the non-resident parent is self employed.
The Agency acknowledges that cases where the non-resident parent is self employed can be more difficult to progress, especially
where the non-resident parent does not wish to comply. The key to securing early compliance is by personal contact with our clients.
By approaching clients at the initial stages of their assessment we aim to build a better relationship with them, address their
concerns promptly and provide an improved level of service.
We have increased resources for our Client Helplines and the National Enquiry Line, extended our hours of opening to cover 8.00am to
8.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays and carried out trials to greatly improve and increase clients'
opportunities to secure a face to face service.
Additionally we have recently completed a pilot study in the South Western Business Unit, looking at how best to process self
employed cases. Trials using dedicated staff dealing exclusively with the self employed have shown a marked reduction in processing
time and an increase in the collection of maintenance. We intend to have specific sections, supported by accountants where
necessary, in each Business Unit by March 1999 to deal exclusively with self employed customers.
Also, to assist us to trace the whereabouts of self employed non-resident parents, we are exploring the possibility of sharing
information with other Agencies and Government Departments. We have also revised staff training and raised staff awareness of the
Agency's self employed powers, working practices and related issues.
If all voluntary methods to secure maintenance from a self employed non-resident parent fail, a liability order is applied for. It
is hoped that the threat of such action will be enough to ensure compliance. The majority do agree to make an arrangement and only
in a very small minority of cases is legal action actually taken.
We will use any and all enforcement methods legally available but we experience the same difficulties as other litigants in
enforcing a civil debt. During 1997/98 we have been successful in registering debt by County Court Judgement in 522 cases. Where all
other action has failed, the Agency has pursued cases for prosecution; between October 1997 and March 1998 a total of 15 suspended
custodial sentences were imposed. A self employed non-resident parent was committed to prison as a result of non payment of
maintenance.
I hope this reply is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Arrears; Maintenance; Parents; Wolverhampton; Self-employed
Date
16 December 1998
Reference
63435; 322 c614-6W;322 c614-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what action the Government is taking to ensure that self-employed persons are fairly assessed under the CSA and that their ex-partners receive full payments owing to them. - Inc ref to Cm 3992 and text of letter from Faith Boardman of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what action the Government is taking to ensure that self-employed persons are fairly assessed under the CSA and that their ex-partners receive full payments owing to them. - Inc ref to Cm 3992 and text of letter from Faith Boardman of...
Asked by
Geraldine Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
John Denham
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 July 1998
For answer on
31 July 1998
Answered on
31 July 1998
Miss Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action the Government are taking to ensure that
self-employed persons are fairly assessed under the CSA and that their ex-partners receive full payments owing to them; and if he
will make a statement. [54060]
Mr. Denham: The Government are consulting on their proposals for reforming the Child Support scheme set out in the Green Paper
"Children First: a new approach to child support" (Cm 3992). We are considering assessing the income of self-employed parents on the
basis of the most recent year's taxable profit in line with the approach used by the Inland Revenue. We will also be looking into
the possibility of using information supplied for tax purposes so as to reduce the delay in collecting maintenance.
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon.
Member.
Letter from Faith Boardman to Miss Geraldine Smith, dated 31 July 1998:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about how the Child Support Agency deals
with the self employed.
The Agency acknowledges that cases where the non-resident parent is self employed can be more difficult to progress, especially
where the non-resident parent does not wish to comply. However, once all the required evidence has been collected, the income of a
self employed person is assessed in line with the regulations to ensure that the maintenance assessment accurately reflects that
income.
The key to securing early compliance is by personal contact with our customers. By contacting customers by phone at the initial
stages of their assessment we aim to build a better relationship with them, address their concerns promptly and provide an improved
level of service.
We have recently completed a pilot study in the South Western Business Unit, looking at how best to process self employed cases.
Trials using dedicated staff dealing exclusively with the self employed have shown a marked reduction in processing time and an
increase in the collection of maintenance. We intend to have specific sections, supported by accountants where necessary, in each
Business Unit to deal exclusively with self employed customers.
Additionally, to assist us to trace the whereabouts of self employed non-resident parents, we are exploring the possibility of
sharing information with other Agencies and Government Departments. We have also revised staff training and raised staff awareness
of the Agency's self employed powers, working practices and related issues.
If all voluntary methods to secure maintenance from a self employed non-resident parent fail, a liability order is applied for. It
is hoped that the threat of such action will be enough to ensure compliance. The majority do agree to make an arrangement and only
in a very small minority of cases is legal action actually taken.
We will use any and all enforcement methods legally available but we experience the same difficulties as other litigants in
enforcing a civil debt. During 1997/98 we have been successful in registering debt by County Court Judgment in 522 cases. Where all
other action has failed, the Agency has pursued cases for prosecution; between October 1997 and March 1998 a total of 15 suspended
custodial sentences were imposed. A self employed non-resident parent was recently committed to prison, as a result of non payment
of maintenance.
I hope this is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Child Support Agency; Maintenance; Self-employed
Date
31 July 1998
Reference
317 c752-3W; 54060
House
House of Commons
What is the average order for payment made by the Child Support Agency in respect of absent parents who are (a) employed and (b) self-employed. - Includes text of letter from Mrs Faith Boardman of Child Support Agency.
What is the average order for payment made by the Child Support Agency in respect of absent parents who are (a) employed and (b) self-employed. - Includes text of letter from Mrs Faith Boardman of Child Support Agency.
Asked by
Peter Bradley
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Bradley
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
31 July 1997
Answered on
31 July 1997
Mr. Peter Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average order for payment made by the Child Support
Agency in respect of absent parents who are (a) employed and (b) self-employed. [10526]
Mr. Bradley: The Government believe that children are entitled to the support of both parents. The child support scheme is designed
to provide levels of maintenance which absent parents can realistically afford.
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon.
Member.
Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Peter Bradley, dated 30 July 1997:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about maintenance assessments.
The latest figures available show that as at 28 February 1997, the average full maintenance assessment for employed absent parents
was £39.02; for those who were self employed the average full maintenance assessment was £23.72.
The difference in the value of the assessments is due to the level of net income of absent parents who are employees and those who
are self employed. The average net income for an employed absent parent was £191.83; for an absent parent who was self employed the
figure was £150.00.
I hope this is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Maintenance; Self-employed
Date
31 July 1997
Reference
10526; 299 c583W
House
House of Commons
In how many Child Support Agency cases (a) liability orders have been registered in the county court, (b) inspectors have been appointed and (c) category C IMAs have been made. - Including text of letter from Mrs Faith Boardman of the Child Support Agency and figures.
In how many Child Support Agency cases (a) liability orders have been registered in the county court, (b) inspectors have been appointed and (c) category C IMAs have been made. - Including text of letter from Mrs Faith Boardman of the Child Support Agency and figures.
Asked by
Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Bradley
(Labour)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
8 July 1997
Answered on
8 July 1997
Mr. Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many Child Support Agency cases (a) liability orders have
been registered in the county court, (b) inspectors have been appointed and (c) category C IMAs have been made. [5258]
Mr. Bradley: The Government believes all children are entitled to the support of both parents, irrespective of where they live. We
cannot tolerate absent parents not paying the maintenance that they owe. It is therefore right that the Child Support Agency should
chase up fathers who avoid paying.
The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon.
Member.
Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Archy Kirkwood dated 7 July 1997:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the enforcement of maintenance
assessments.
Legal action against an absent parent is a serious step, and is not taken lightly by the Agency. Nevertheless, if all other
voluntary methods have failed, and if a deduction from earnings order is not a possibility, then a liability order is applied for.
The Agency's intention in such cases is to secure maintenance--it is hoped that the threat of such action will be enough to ensure
compliance.
During 1996/7 the Agency initiated liability order action in 2101 cases. The number of cases where a liability order was granted
during 1996/7 was 1136.
Additionally, since May 1996 the Agency has been able to enter liability orders in the County Court Register of Judgments in England
and Wales. In 1996/97, 110 liability orders were entered in the County Court Register. In the first two months of 1997/98, 78
liability orders have been entered in the Register.
Under Section 15 of the Child Support Agency 1991, the Secretary of State may appoint a designated officer to act as an inspector,
to visit an employer or self-employed absent parent in order to obtain relevant information on a specific case. The Agency does not
employ staff specifically to undertake the role of an inspector. Where it is appropriate to utilise inspectorate powers, a suitably
qualified and experienced officer is designated. We do not collate information on the number of cases where it has been necessary to
invoke the powers of an inspector.
Category C interim maintenance assessments are only used where a self-employed person is genuinely attempting to cooperate, but is
having difficulty providing all the necessary information. Where a self-employed person is being deliberately uncooperative a
punitive Category A interim maintenance assessment is imposed. Very few Category C interim maintenance assessments have been made
since their introduction in April 1995; the numbers are as follows:
1995/96: 10
1996/97: 3
1997/98: 1 (to 31.5.97)
I hope this is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Child Support Agency; Inspections; Maintenance; Self-employed; Liability orders
Date
8 July 1997
Reference
5258; 297 c462W
House
House of Commons
What proportion of child support cases involving self-employed absent parents concerned parents with care who were claiming income support, family credit or disability working allowance. - Includes text of letter from Ann Chant of Child Support Agency and includes figures.
What proportion of child support cases involving self-employed absent parents concerned parents with care who were claiming income support, family credit or disability working allowance. - Includes text of letter from Ann Chant of Child Support Agency and includes figures.
Asked by
Malcolm Wicks
(Labour)
Answered by
Andrew Mitchell
(Conservative)
Answering body
Child Support Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
10 December 1996
Answered on
10 December 1996
Mr. Wicks: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of child support cases involving self-employed absent
parents concerned parents with care who were claiming income support, family credit or disability working allowance. [8123]
Mr. Andrew Mitchell: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will
write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. Malcolm Wicks, dated 9 December 1996:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency self employed
cases.
There are currently around 20,000 self employed absent parents cases, live on Child Support Computer System, with a full maintenance
assessment. The benefit status of the associated parents with care is not, however, currently available.
I hope this is helpful.
Subjects
Children; Absent parents; Maintenance; Recipients; Social security benefits; Self-employed
Date
10 December 1996
Reference
8123; 287 c187-8W
House
House of Commons