Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 25 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether (a) business managers, (b) regional managers and (c) frontline staff in the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service were awarded extra payments for duties during 2003-04.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether (a) business managers, (b) regional managers and (c) frontline staff in the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service were awarded extra payments for duties during 2003-04. [194215] Margaret Hodge: Regional managers, business managers and frontline staff were given additional payments during 2003-04. These additional payments are termed `Additional Responsibility Payments'. Payments were made for two main reasons: 1. To individuals who transferred to CAFCASS with honoraria; and 2. To staff who undertook additional responsibilities: temporary promotion or providing cover for short/long term vacant posts. Additional responsibility payments continue to be paid to staff who have taken on higher grade or additional responsibilities. A total number of 35 CAFCASS staff members were awarded Additional Responsibility Payments during the period 1April 2003 to 31March 2004. The total sum paid by CAFCASS is £27,480. CAFCASS is currently integrating terms and conditions for all staff transferred from the 117 predecessor organisations. During 2003-04, CAFCASS completed the harmonisation of frontline, administrative and first tier management staff. All other posts, including Business Managers and Regional Managers who were employed on a fixed salary (not related to a pay scale) in 2001 were made an extra payment, pending the outcome of harmonisation.

Secondary information