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Written question asked by Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 22 July 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 July 2019 (named day). It was answered by Will Quince (Conservative) on Monday, 29 July 2019 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Children: Maintenance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what her Department's criteria is for registering the child maintenance debt of a non-resident parent with credit rating agencies.

Answer

This information is provided in our internal procedures. It is a discretionary decision and intended as a deterrent measure on those who may otherwise choose to evade maintenance payments, so getting more money flowing to the children and separated parents who need it.

We can consider referral to a Credit Reference Agency (CRA) in the following circumstance:

  • when a Liability Order is in force against the non-resident
  • 21 days (plus postage timing and 2 days) have passed since a written notice was posted to the Paying Parent advising them that we intend to supply information about them to a CRA
  • the welfare of the child has been considered
  • the Paying Parent has not agreed to a payment agreement where the outstanding amount will be repaid in line with our debt steer, of 2 years

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
280280
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Children Debts Absent parents Credit reference agencies Maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk