Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 July 2004. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether attendance allowances and other allowances paid to elected members of local authorities are regarded by the Child Support Agency as income for the purpose of determining the level of child support; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether attendance allowances and other allowances paid to elected members of local authorities are regarded by the Child Support Agency as income for the purpose of determining the level of child support; and if he will make a statement. [182041] Mr. Pond: In the old child support scheme, allowances paid to elected members of local authorities are taken into account as income when assessing maintenance liability. The only exception is when these allowances are payments for expenses incurred "wholly, exclusively and necessarily" in performance of their duties. In the new child support scheme income and allowances paid to elected members of local authorities are disregarded when calculating maintenance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 182041; 423 c1204-5W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Children Benefits rules Councillors Attendance allowance Maintenance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk