Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Friday, 3 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2008. It was answered by James Plaskitt (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2008 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Child Support

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance is issued by the Child Support Agency on absent fathers who pay larger than average contributions into their pension scheme thereby reducing the sum payable in child maintenance; and if he will amend this guidance to combat this practice.

Answer: The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Stephen Geraghty:"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 guidance is issued by the Child Support Agency on absent fathers who pay larger than average contributions into their pension scheme thereby reducing the sum payable in child maintenance; and if he will amend this guidance to combat this practice. [224163]""There is currently no limit to the amount of contributions a non-resident parent can make to an occupational pension within the child maintenance system.""A parent with care can however request a ““variation”” to the amount of the child maintenance liability if he or she believes that there are exceptional circumstances that are not covered by the basic rules. In particular a parent with care can apply for a variation where a non-resident parent has unreasonably reduced the amount of their income by diverting it elsewhere, which can be taken into account when making a maintenance calculation.""I hope you find this answer helpful."

Secondary information