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Child Support Act 1991

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Point in time view as at 30/06/1999.

Changes to legislation:

Child Support Act 1991 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 18 May 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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SCHEDULES

Section 11.

SCHEDULE 1E+W+S Maintenance Assessments

Part IE+W+S Calculation of Child Support Maintenance

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

The maintenance requirementE+W+S

1(1)In this Schedule “the maintenance requirement” means the amount, calculated in accordance with the formula set out in sub-paragraph (2), which is to be taken as the minimum amount necessary for the maintenance of the qualifying child or, where there is more than one qualifying child, all of them.E+W+S

(2)The formula is—

where—

  • MR is the amount of the maintenance requirement;

  • AG is the aggregate of the amounts to be taken into account under sub-paragraph (3); and

  • CB is the amount payable by way of child benefit (or which would be so payable if the person with care of the qualifying child were an individual) or, where there is more than one qualifying child, the aggregate of the amounts so payable with respect to each of them.

(3)The amounts to be taken into account for the purpose of calculating AG are—

(a)such amount or amounts (if any), with respect to each qualifying child, as may be prescribed;

(b)such amount or amounts (if any), with respect to the person with care of the qualifying child or qualifying children, as may be prescribed; and

(c)such further amount or amounts (if any) as may be prescribed.

(4)For the purposes of calculating CB it shall be assumed that child benefit is payable with respect to any qualifying child at the basic rate.

(5)In sub-paragraph (4) “basic rate” has the meaning for the time being prescribed.

Commencement Information

I1Sch. 1 para. 1 wholly in force; para. 1 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(2); para. 1(3)(5) in force at 17.6.1992 by S.I. 1992/1431, art. 2, Sch.; para. 1 in force in so far as not already in force at 5.4.1993 by S.I. 1992/2644, art. 2

The general ruleE+W+S

2(1)In order to determine the amount of any maintenance assessment, first calculate—E+W+S

where—

  • A is the absent parent’s assessable income;

  • C is the assessable income of the other parent, where that parent is the person with care, and otherwise has such value (if any) as may be prescribed; and

  • P is such number greater than zero but less than 1 as may be prescribed.

(2)Where the result of the calculation made under sub-paragraph (1) is an amount which is equal to, or less than, the amount of the maintenance requirement for the qualifying child or qualifying children, the amount of maintenance payable by the absent parent for that child or those children shall be an amount equal to—

where A and P have the same values as in the calculation made under sub-paragraph (1)

(3)Where the result of the calculation made under sub-paragraph (1) is an amount which exceeds the amount of the maintenance requirement for the qualifying child or qualifying children, the amount of maintenance payable by the absent parent for that child or those children shall consist of—

(a)a basic element calculated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3; and

(b)an additional element calculated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 4.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2Sch. 1 para. 2(1) modified (5.4.1993) by S.I. 1992/1815, reg. 23(4)

Commencement Information

I2Sch. 1 para. 2 wholly in force; para. 2 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(2); para. 2(1) in force at 17.6.1992 by S.I. 1992/1431, art. 2, Sch.; para. 2 in force in so far as not already in force at 5.4.1993 by S.I. 1992/2644, art. 2.

The basic elementE+W+S

3(1)The basic element shall be calculated by applying the formula—E+W+S

where—

  • BE is the amount of the basic element;

  • A and P have the same values as in the calculation made under paragraph 2(1); and

  • G has the value determined under sub-paragraph (2).

(2)The value of G shall be determined by applying the formula—

where—

  • MR is the amount of the maintenance requirement for the qualifying child or qualifying children; and

  • A, C and P have the same values as in the calculation made under paragraph 2(1).

The additional elementE+W+S

4(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the additional element shall be calculated by applying the formula—E+W+S

where—

  • AE is the amount of the additional element;

  • A has the same value as in the calculation made under paragraph 2(1);

  • G has the value determined under paragraph 3(2); and

  • R is such number greater than zero but less than 1 as may be prescribed.

(2)Where applying the alternative formula set out in sub-paragraph (3) would result in a lower amount for the additional element, that formula shall be applied in place of the formula set out in sub-paragraph (1).

(3)The alternative formula is—

where—

  • A and C have the same values as in the calculation made under paragraph 2(1);

  • Z is such number as may be prescribed; and

  • Q is the aggregate of—

(a)any amount taken into account by virtue of paragraph 1(3)(a) in calculating the maintenance requirement; and

(b)any amount which is both taken into account by virtue of paragraph 1(3)(c) in making that calculation and is an amount prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.

Commencement Information

I3Sch. 1 para. 4 wholly in force; para. 4 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(2); para. 4(1)(3) in force at 17.6.1992 by S.I. 1992/1431, art. 2, Sch.; para. 4 in force in so far as not already in force at 5.4.1993 by S.I. 1992/2644, art. 2

Assessable incomeE+W+S

5(1)The assessable income of an absent parent shall be calculated by applying the formula—E+W+S

where—

  • A is the amount of that parent’s assessable income;

  • N is the amount of that parent’s net income, calculated or estimated in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this sub-paragraph; and

  • E is the amount of that parent’s exempt income, calculated or estimated in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State for those purposes.

(2)The assessable income of a parent who is a person with care of the qualifying child or children shall be calculated by applying the formula—

where—

  • C is the amount of that parent’s assessable income;

  • M is the amount of that parent’s net income, calculated or estimated in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this sub-paragraph; and

  • F is the amount of that parent’s exempt income, calculated or estimated in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State for those purposes.

(3)Where the preceding provisions of this paragraph would otherwise result in a person’s assessable income being taken to be a negative amount his assessable income shall be taken to be nil.

(4)Where income support[F1, an income-based jobseeker’s allowance] or any other benefit of a prescribed kind is paid to or in respect of a parent who is an absent parent or a person with care that parent shall, for the purposes of this Schedule, be taken to have no assessable income.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I4Sch. 1 para. 5 wholly in force; para. 5 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(2); para. 5(1)(2)(4) in force at 17.6.1992 by S.I. 1992/1431, art. 2, Sch.; para. 5 in force in so far as not already in force at 5.4.1993 by S.I. 1992/2644, art. 2

Protected incomeE+W+S

6(1)This paragraph applies where—E+W+S

(a)one or more maintenance assessments have been made with respect to an absent parent; and

(b)payment by him of the amount, or the aggregate of the amounts, so assessed would otherwise reduce his disposable income below his protected income level.

(2)The amount of the assessment, or (as the case may be) of each assessment, shall be adjusted in accordance with such provisions as may be prescribed with a view to securing so far as is reasonably practicable that payment by the absent parent of the amount, or (as the case may be) aggregate of the amounts, so assessed will not reduce his disposable income below his protected income level.

(3)Regulations made under sub-paragraph (2) shall secure that, where the prescribed minimum amount fixed by regulations made under paragraph 7 applies, no maintenance assessment is adjusted so as to provide for the amount payable by an absent parent in accordance with that assessment to be less than that amount.

(4)The amount which is to be taken for the purposes of this paragraph as an absent parent’s disposable income shall be calculated, or estimated, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5)Regulations made under sub-paragraph (4) may, in particular, provide that, in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed—

(a)income of any child who is living in the same household with the absent parent; and

(b)where the absent parent is living together in the same household with another adult of the opposite sex (regardless of whether or not they are married), income of that other adult,

is to be treated as the absent parent’s income for the purposes of calculating his disposable income.

(6)In this paragraph the “protected income level” of a particular absent parent means an amount of income calculated, by reference to the circumstances of that parent, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.

Commencement Information

I5Sch. 1 para. 6 wholly in force; para. 6 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(2); para. 6(2)-(6) in force at 17.6.1992 by S.I. 1992/1431, art. 2, Sch.; para. 6 in force in so far as not already in force at 5.4.1993 by S.I. 1992/2644, art. 2

The minimum amount of child support maintenanceE+W+S

7(1)The Secretary of State may prescribe a minimum amount for the purposes of this paragraph.E+W+S

(2)Where the amount of child support maintenance which would be fixed by a maintenance assessment but for this paragraph is nil, or less than the prescribed minimum amount, the amount to be fixed by the assessment shall be the prescribed minimum amount.

(3)In any case to which section 43 applies, and in such other cases (if any) as may be prescribed, sub-paragraph (2) shall not apply.

Housing costsE+W+S

8E+W+SWhere regulations under this Schedule require [F2the Secretary of State] to take account of the housing costs of any person in calculating, or estimating, his assessable income or disposable income, those regulations may make provision—

(a)as to the costs which are to be treated as housing costs for the purpose of the regulations;

(b)for the apportionment of housing costs; and

(c)for the amount of housing costs to be taken into account for prescribed purposes not to exceed such amount (if any) as may be prescribed by, or determined in accordance with, the regulations.

Textual Amendments

Regulations about income and capitalE+W+S

9E+W+SThe Secretary of State may by regulations provide that, in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed—

(a)income of a child shall be treated as income of a parent of his;

(b)where [F3the Secretary of State] is satisfied that a person has intentionally deprived himself of a source of income with a view to reducing the amount of his assessable income, his net income shall be taken to include income from that source of an amount estimated by [F3the Secretary of State];

(c)a person is to be treated as possessing capital or income which he does not possess;

(d)capital or income which a person does possess is to be disregarded;

(e)income is to be treated as capital;

(f)capital is to be treated as income.

Textual Amendments

References to qualifying childrenE+W+S

10E+W+SReferences in this Part of this Schedule to “qualifying children” are to those qualifying children with respect to whom the maintenance assessment falls to be made.

Part IIE+W+S General Provisions About Maintenance Assessments

Effective date of assessmentE+W+S

11(1)A maintenance assessment shall take effect on such date as may be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.E+W+S

(2)That date may be earlier than the date on which the assessment is made.

Form of assessmentE+W+S

12E+W+SEvery maintenance assessment shall be made in such form and contain such information as the Secretary of State may direct.

Assessments where amount of child support is nilE+W+S

13E+W+S[F4The Secretary of State] shall not decline to make a maintenance assessment only on the ground that the amount of the assessment is nil.

Textual Amendments

Consolidated applications and assessmentsE+W+S

14E+W+SThe Secretary of State may by regulations provide—

(a)for two or more applications for maintenance assessments to be treated, in prescribed circumstances, as a single application; and

(b)for the replacement, in prescribed circumstances, of a maintenance assessment made on the application of one person by a later maintenance assessment made on the application of that or any other person.

Separate assessments for different periodsE+W+S

15E+W+SWhere [F5the Secretary of State] is satisfied that the circumstances of a case require different amounts of child support maintenance to be assessed in respect of different periods, he may make separate maintenance assessments each expressed to have effect in relation to a different specified period.

Textual Amendments

F5Words in Sch. 1 para. 15 substituted (1.6.1999) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 48(4); S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(g)(v)

Termination of assessmentsE+W+S

16(1)A maintenance assessment shall cease to have effect—E+W+S

(a)on the death of the absent parent, or of the person with care, with respect to whom it was made;

(b)on there no longer being any qualifying child with respect to whom it would have effect;

(c)on the absent parent with respect to whom it was made ceasing to be a parent of—

(i)the qualifying child with respect to whom it was made; or

(ii)where it was made with respect to more than one qualifying child, all of the qualifying children with respect to whom it was made;

(d)where the absent parent and the person with care with respect to whom it was made have been living together for a continuous period of six months;

(e)where a new maintenance assessment is made with respect to any qualifying child with respect to whom the assessment in question was in force immediately before the making of the new assessment.

(2)A maintenance assessment made in response to an application under section 4 or 7 shall be cancelled by [F6the Secretary of State] if the person on whose application the assessment was made asks him to do so.

(3)A maintenance assessment made in response to an application under section 6 shall be cancelled by [F6the Secretary of State] if—

(a)the person on whose application the assessment was made (“the applicant”) asks him to do so; and

(b)he is satisfied that the applicant has ceased to fall within subsection (1) of that section.

(4)Where [F6the Secretary of State] is satisfied that the person with care with respect to whom a maintenance assessment was made has ceased to be a person with care in relation to the qualifying child, or any of the qualifying children, with respect to whom the assessment was made, he may cancel the assessment with effect from the date on which, in his opinion, the change of circumstances took place.

[F7(4A)A maintenance assessment may be cancelled by [F6the Secretary of State] if he is [F8proposing to make a decision under section 16 or 17] and it appears to him—

(a)that the person with care with respect to whom the maintenance assessment in question was made has failed to provide him with sufficient information to enable him to [F8make the decision]; and

(b)where the maintenance assessment in question was made in response to an application under section 6, that the person with care with respect to whom the assessment was made has ceased to fall within subsection (1) of that section.]

(5)Where—

(a)at any time a maintenance assessment is in force but [F6the Secretary of State] would no longer have jurisdiction to make it if it were to be applied for at that time; and

(b)the assessment has not been cancelled, or has not ceased to have effect, under or by virtue of any other provision made by or under this Act,

it shall be taken to have continuing effect unless cancelled by [F6the Secretary of State] in accordance with such prescribed provision (including provision as to the effective date of cancellation) as the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to make.

(6)Where both the absent parent and the person with care with respect to whom a maintenance assessment was made request [F6the Secretary of State] to cancel the assessment, he may do so if he is satisfied that they are living together.

(7)Any cancellation of a maintenance assessment under sub-paragraph [F9(4A),] (5) or (6) shall have effect from such date as may be determined by [F10the Secretary of State].

(8)Where [F6the Secretary of State] cancels a maintenance assessment, he shall immediately notify the absent parent and person with care, so far as that is reasonably practicable.

(9)Any notice under sub-paragraph (8) shall specify the date with effect from which the cancellation took effect.

(10)A person with care with respect to whom a maintenance assessment is in force shall provide the Secretary of State with such information, in such circumstances, as may be prescribed, with a view to assisting the Secretary of State F11... in determining whether the assessment has ceased to have effect, or should be cancelled.

(11)The Secretary of State may by regulations make such supplemental, incidental or transitional provision as he thinks necessary or expedient in consequence of the provisions of this paragraph.

Textual Amendments

F7Sch. 1 para. 16(4A) inserted (22.1.1996) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), ss. 14(2), 30(4); S.I. 1995/3262, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 2

F9Word in Sch. 1 para. 16(7) inserted (22.1.1996) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), ss. 14(3), 30(4); S.I. 1995/3262, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 2

Commencement Information

I6Sch. 1 para. 16 wholly in force; para. 16 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(2); para. 16(5)(10)(11) in force at 17.6.1992 by S.I. 1992/1431, art. 2, Sch.; para. 16 in force in so far as not already in force at 5.4.1993 by S.I. 1992/2644, art. 2

Section 14(4).

SCHEDULE 2U.K. Provision of Information to Secretary of State

Inland Revenue recordsU.K.

1(1)This paragraph applies where the Secretary of State or the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland requires information for the purpose of tracing—U.K.

(a)the current address of an absent parent; or

(b)the current employer of an absent parent.

(2)In such a case, no obligation as to secrecy imposed by statute or otherwise on a person employed in relation to the Inland Revenue shall prevent any information obtained or held in connection with the assessment or collection of income tax from being disclosed to —

(a)the Secretary of State;

(b)the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland; or

(c)an officer of either of them authorised to receive such information in connection with the operation of this Act or of any corresponding Northern Ireland legislation.

(3)This paragraph extends only to disclosure by or under the authority of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue.

(4)Information which is the subject of disclosure to any person by virtue of this paragraph shall not be further disclosed to any person except where the further disclosure is made—

(a)to a person to whom disclosure could be made by virtue of sub-paragraph (2); or

(b)for the purposes of any proceedings (civil or criminal) in connection with the operation of this Act or of any corresponding Northern Ireland legislation.

Local authority recordsU.K.

F122U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Section 21(4).

F13SCHEDULE 3E+W+S Child Support Appeal Tribunals

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Section 22(5).

SCHEDULE 4U.K. Child Support Commissioners

Tenure of officeU.K.

1(1)Every Child Support Commissioner shall vacate his office [F14on the date on which he reaches the age of 70; but this sub-paragraph is subject to section 26(4) to (6) of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (power to authorise continuance in office up to the age of 75)].U.K.

F15(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)A Child Support Commissioner may be removed from office by the Lord Chancellor on the ground of misbehaviour or incapacity.

Textual Amendments

Commissioners’ remuneration and their pensionsU.K.

2(1)The Lord Chancellor may pay, or make such payments towards the provision of such remuneration, pensions, allowances or gratuities to or in respect of persons appointed as Child Support Commissioners as, with the consent of the Treasury, he may determine.U.K.

(2)The Lord Chancellor shall pay to a Child Support Commissioner such expenses incurred in connection with his work as such a Commissioner as may be determined by the Treasury.

[F16(3)Sub-paragraph (1), so far as relating to pensions, allowances or gratuities, shall not have effect in relation to any person to whom Part I of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 applies, except to the extent provided by or under that Act.]

Textual Amendments

[F17Expenses of other personsU.K.

Textual Amendments

F17Sch. 4 para. 2A and cross-heading inserted (18.12.1995) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), s. 30(4), Sch. 3 para. 18(1); S.I. 1995/3262, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1

2A[F18(1)The Lord Chancellor or, in Scotland, the Secretary of State may pay to any person who attends any proceedings before a Child Support Commissioner such travelling and other allowances as he may determine.]U.K.

(2)In sub-paragraph (1), references to travelling and other allowances include references to compensation for loss of remunerative time.

(3)No compensation for loss of remunerative time shall be paid to any person under this paragraph in respect of any time during which he is in receipt of other remuneration so paid.]

Textual Amendments

Commissioners barred from legal practiceU.K.

3U.K.Section 75 of the M1Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (judges etc. barred from legal practice) shall apply to any person appointed as a Child Support Commissioner as it applies to any person holding as a full-time appointment any of the offices listed in Schedule 11 to that Act.

Marginal Citations

Deputy Child Support CommissionersU.K.

4(1)The Lord Chancellor may appoint persons to act as Child Support Commissioners (but to be known as deputy Child Support Commissioners) in order to facilitate the disposal of the business of Child Support Commissioners.U.K.

(2)A deputy Child Support Commissioner shall be appointed—

(a)from among persons who have a 10 year general qualification or are advocates or solicitors in Scotland of 10 years’ standing; and

(b)[F19subject to sub-paragraph (2A)] for such period or on such occasions as the Lord Chancellor thinks fit.

[F20(2A)No appointment of a person to be a deputy Child Support Commissioner shall be such as to extend beyond the date on which he reaches the age of 70; but this sub-paragraph is subject to section 26(4) to (6) of the Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (power to authorise continuance in office up to the age of 75).]

(3)Paragraph 2 applies to deputy Child Support Commissioners as if the reference to pensions were omitted and paragraph 3 does not apply to them.

Textual Amendments

[F21Determination of questions by other officersU.K.

Textual Amendments

4A(1)The Lord Chancellor may by regulations provide—U.K.

(a)for officers authorised—

(i)by the Lord Chancellor; or

(ii)in Scotland, by the Secretary of State,

to determine any question which is determinable by a Child Support Commissioner and which does not involve the determination of any appeal, application for leave to appeal or reference;

(b)for the procedure to be followed by any such officer in determining any such question;

(c)for the manner in which determinations of such questions by such officers may be called in question.

(2)A determination which would have the effect of preventing an appeal, application for leave to appeal or reference being determined by a Child Support Commissioner is not a determination of the appeal, application or reference for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1).]

Tribunals of CommissionersU.K.

5(1)If it appears to the Chief Child Support Commissioner (or, in the case of his inability to act, to such other of the Child Support Commissioners as he may have nominated to act for the purpose) [F22that— U.K.

(a)an application for leave under section 24(6)(b); or

(b)an appeal,] falling to be heard by one of the Child Support Commissioners involves a question of law of special difficulty, he may direct [F23that the application or appeal] be dealt with by a tribunal consisting of any three [F24or more] of the Child Support Commissioners.

(2)If the decision of such a tribunal is not unanimous, the decision of the majority shall be the decision of the tribunal[F25; and the presiding Child Support Commissioner shall have a casting vote if the votes are equally divided].

[F26(3)Where a direction is given under sub-paragraph (1)(a), section 24(6)(b) shall have effect as if the reference to a Child Support Commissioner were a reference to such a tribunal as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).]

Textual Amendments

Finality of decisionsU.K.

6(1)Subject to section 25, the decision of any Child Support Commissioner shall be final.U.K.

[F27(2)If and to the extent that regulations so provide, any finding of fact or other determination which is embodied in or necessary to a decision, or on which a decision is based, shall be conclusive for the purposes of any further decision.]

Textual Amendments

F27Sch. 4 para. 6(2) substituted (4.3.1999 for specified purposes, 1.6.1999 in so far as not already in force) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 52(4); S.I. 1999/528, art. 2(a), Sch.; S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(g)(v)

Consultation with Lord AdvocateU.K.

7U.K.Before exercising any of his powers under [F28paragraph 1(3)], [F294(1) or (2)(b) or 4A(1)], the Lord Chancellor shall consult the Lord Advocate.

Textual Amendments

F29Words in Sch. 4 para. 7 substituted (18.12.1995) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), ss. 17(2), 30(4); S.I. 1995/3262, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4Sch. 4 para. 7 functions treated as exercisable in Scotland (30.6.1999) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Functions Exercisable in or as Regards Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1748), arts. 1, 3, Sch. 1 para. 12

Northern IrelandU.K.

8U.K.In its application to Northern Ireland this Schedule shall have effect as if—

(a)for any reference to a Child Support Commissioner (however expressed) there were substituted a corresponding reference to a Child Support Commissioner for Northern Ireland;

(b)in paragraph 2(1), the word “pensions” were omitted;

[F30(bb)paragraph 2A were omitted;]

(c)for paragraph 3, there were substituted—

“3A Child Support Commissioner for Northern Ireland, so long as he holds office as such, shall not practise as a barrister or act for any remuneration to himself as arbitrator or referee or be directly or indirectly concerned in any matter as a conveyancer, notary public or solicitor.”;

(d)in paragraph 4—

(i)for paragraph (a) of sub-paragraph (2) there were substituted—

“(a)from among persons who are barristers or solicitors of not less than 10 years’ standing; and”;

(ii)for sub-paragraph (3) there were substituted—

“(3)Paragraph 2 applies to deputy Child Support Commissioners for Northern Ireland, but paragraph 3 does not apply to them.”; and

(e)[F31paragraphs 4A] to 7 were omitted.

Textual Amendments

[F32SCHEDULE 4AU.K. Departure Directions

Textual Amendments

F32Sch. 4A inserted (14.10.1996 for specified purposes, 2.12.1996 in so far as not already in force) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), ss. 1(2), 30(4), Sch. 1; S.I. 1996/2630, art. 2, Sch. Pts. 1, 2

InterpretationU.K.

1U.K.In this Schedule—

  • “departure application” means an application for a departure direction;

  • “regulations” means regulations made by the Secretary of State;

  • F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Applications for departure directionsU.K.

2U.K.Regulations may make provision—

(a)as to the procedure to be followed in considering a departure application;

(b)as to the procedure to be followed when a departure application is referred to [F34an appeal tribunal] under section 28D(1)(b);

(c)for the giving of a direction by the Secretary of State as to the order in which, in a particular case, [F35a decision on a departure application and a decision under section 16 or 17 are to be made];

(d)for the reconsideration of a departure application in a case where further information becomes available to the Secretary of State after the application has been determined.

Textual Amendments

F34Words in Sch. 4A para. 2(b) substituted (1.6.1999) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 53(2)(a); S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(g)(v)

F35Words in Sch. 4A para. 2(c) substituted (1.6.1999) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 53(2)(b); S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(g)(v)

Completion of preliminary considerationU.K.

3U.K.Regulations may provide for determining when the preliminary consideration of a departure application is to be taken to have been completed.

InformationU.K.

4(1)Regulations may make provision for the use for any purpose of this Act of—U.K.

(a)information acquired by the Secretary of State in connection with an application for, or the making of, a departure direction;

(b)information acquired by F36... the Secretary of State in connection with an application for, or the making of, a maintenance assessment.

(2)If any information which is required (by regulations under this Act) to be furnished to the Secretary of State in connection with a departure application has not been furnished within such period as may be prescribed, the Secretary of State may nevertheless proceed to determine the application.

Textual Amendments

Anticipation of change of circumstancesU.K.

5(1)A departure direction may be given so as to provide that if the circumstances of the case change in such manner as may be specified in the direction a fresh maintenance assessment is to be made.U.K.

(2)Where any such provision is made, the departure direction may provide for the basis on which the amount of child support maintenance is to be fixed by the fresh maintenance assessment to differ from the basis on which the amount of child support maintenance was fixed by any earlier maintenance assessment made as a result of the direction.

Reviews and departure directionsU.K.

F376U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Subsequent departure directionsU.K.

7(1)Regulations may make provision with respect to any departure application made with respect to a maintenance assessment which was made as a result of a departure direction.U.K.

(2)The regulations may, in particular, provide for the application to be considered by reference to the maintenance assessment which would have been made had the departure direction not been given.

Joint consideration of departure applications and appealsU.K.

8(1)Regulations may provide for two or more departure applications with respect to the same current assessment to be considered together.U.K.

(2)[F38An appeal tribunal] considering—

(a)a departure application referred to it under section 28D(1)(b), or

(b)an appeal under section 28H,

may consider it at the same time as hearing an appeal under section 20 in respect of the current assessment, if it considers that to be appropriate.

Textual Amendments

F38Words in Sch. 4A para. 8 substituted (4.3.1999 for specified purposes, 1.6.1999 in so far as not already in force) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 53(5); S.I. 1999/528, art. 2(a), Sch.; S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(g)(v)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

[F39Appeal tribunals] U.K.

Textual Amendments

9(1)Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, where—U.K.

(a)a departure application is referred to [F40an appeal tribunal] under section 28D(1)(b), or

(b)an appeal is brought under section 28H,

the application or appeal may be dealt with by a tribunal constituted by the chairman sitting alone.

(2)Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply in relation to any appeal which is being heard together with an appeal under section 20.

Textual Amendments

Current assessments which are replaced by fresh assessmentsU.K.

10U.K.Regulations may make provision as to the circumstances in which prescribed references in this Act to a current assessment are to have effect as if they were references to any later maintenance assessment made with respect to the same persons as the current assessment.]

[F41SCHEDULE 4BU.K. Departure Directions: The Cases and Controls

Textual Amendments

F41Sch. 4B inserted (14.10.1996 for specified purposes, 2.12.1996 in so far as not already in force) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), ss. 6(2), 30(4), Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/2630, art. 2, Sch. Pts. 1, 2

Part IU.K. The Cases

GeneralU.K.

1(1)The cases in which a departure direction may be given are those set out in this Part of this Schedule or in regulations made under this Part.U.K.

(2)In this Schedule “applicant” means the person whose application for a departure direction is being considered.

Special expensesU.K.

2(1)A departure direction may be given with respect to special expenses of the applicant which were not, and could not have been, taken into account in determining the current assessment in accordance with the provisions of, or made under, Part I of Schedule 1.U.K.

(2)In this paragraph “special expenses” means the whole, or any prescribed part, of expenses which fall within a prescribed description of expenses.

(3)In prescribing descriptions of expenses for the purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary of State may, in particular, make provision with respect to—

(a)costs incurred in travelling to work;

(b)costs incurred by an absent parent in maintaining contact with the child, or with any of the children, with respect to whom he is liable to pay child support maintenance under the current assessment;

(c)costs attributable to a long-term illness or disability of the applicant or of a dependant of the applicant;

(d)debts incurred, before the absent parent became an absent parent in relation to a child with respect to whom the current assessment was made—

(i)for the joint benefit of both parents;

(ii)for the benefit of any child with respect to whom the current assessment was made; or

(iii)for the benefit of any other child falling within a prescribed category;

(e)pre-1993 financial commitments from which it is impossible for the parent concerned to withdraw or from which it would be unreasonable to expect that parent to have to withdraw;

(f)costs incurred by a parent in supporting a child who is not his child but who is part of his family.

(4)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(c)—

(a)the question whether one person is a dependant of another shall be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State;

(b)“disability” and “illness” have such meaning as may be prescribed; and

(c)the question whether an illness or disability is long-term shall be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(e), “pre-1993 financial commitments” means financial commitments of a prescribed kind entered into before 5th April 1993 in any case where—

(a)a court order of a prescribed kind was in force with respect to the absent parent and the person with care concerned at the time when they were entered into; or

(b)an agreement between them of a prescribed kind was in force at that time.

(6)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(f), a child who is not the child of a particular person is a part of that person’s family in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Property or capital transfersU.K.

3(1)A departure direction may be given if—U.K.

(a)before 5th April 1993—

(i)a court order of a prescribed kind was in force with respect to the absent parent and either the person with care with respect to whom the current assessment was made or the child, or any of the children, with respect to whom that assessment was made, or

(ii)an agreement of a prescribed kind between the absent parent and any of those persons was in force;

(b)in consequence of one or more transfers of property of a prescribed kind—

(i)the amount payable by the absent parent by way of maintenance was less than would have been the case had that transfer or those transfers not been made; or

(ii)no amount was payable by the absent parent by way of maintenance; and

(c)the effect of that transfer, or those transfers, is not properly reflected in the current assessment.

(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b), “maintenance” means periodical payments of maintenance made (otherwise than under this Act) with respect to the child, or any of the children, with respect to whom the current assessment was made.

(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(c), the question whether the effect of one or more transfers of property is properly reflected in the current assessment shall be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

4(1)A departure direction may be given if—U.K.

(a)before 5th April 1993—

(i)a court order of a prescribed kind was in force with respect to the absent parent and either the person with care with respect to whom the current assessment was made or the child, or any of the children, with respect to whom that assessment was made, or

(ii)an agreement of a prescribed kind between the absent parent and any of those persons was in force;

(b)in pursuance of the court order or agreement, the absent parent has made one or more transfers of property of a prescribed kind;

(c)the amount payable by the absent parent by way of maintenance was not reduced as a result of that transfer or those transfers;

(d)the amount payable by the absent parent by way of child support maintenance under the current assessment has been reduced as a result of that transfer or those transfers, in accordance with provisions of or made under this Act; and

(e)it is nevertheless inappropriate, having regard to the purposes for which the transfer or transfers was or were made, for that reduction to have been made.

(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(c), “maintenance” means periodical payments of maintenance made (otherwise than under this Act) with respect to the child, or any of the children, with respect to whom the current assessment was made.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Additional casesU.K.

5(1)The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe other cases in which a departure direction may be given.U.K.

(2)Regulations under this paragraph may, for example, make provision with respect to cases where—

(a)assets which do not produce income are capable of producing income;

(b)a person’s life-style is inconsistent with the level of his income;

(c)housing costs are unreasonably high;

(d)housing costs are in part attributable to housing persons whose circumstances are such as to justify disregarding a part of those costs;

(e)travel costs are unreasonably high; or

(f)travel costs should be disregarded.

Part IIU.K. Regulatory Controls

6(1)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the directions which may be given in a departure direction.U.K.

(2)No directions may be given other than those which are permitted by the regulations.

(3)Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular, make provision for a departure direction to require—

(a)the substitution, for any formula set out in Part I of Schedule 1, of such other formula as may be prescribed;

(b)any prescribed amount by reference to which any calculation is to be made in fixing the amount of child support maintenance to be increased or reduced in accordance with the regulations;

(c)the substitution, for any provision in accordance with which any such calculation is to be made, of such other provision as may be prescribed.

(4)Regulations may limit the extent to which the amount of the child support maintenance fixed by a maintenance assessment made as a result of a departure direction may differ from the amount of the child support maintenance which would be fixed by a maintenance assessment made otherwise than as a result of the direction.

(5)Regulations may provide for the amount of any special expenses to be taken into account in a case falling within paragraph 2, for the purposes of a departure direction, not to exceed such amount as may be prescribed or as may be determined in accordance with the regulations.

(6)No departure direction may be given so as to have the effect of denying to an absent parent the protection of paragraph 6 of Schedule 1.

(7)Sub-paragraph (6) does not prevent the modification of the provisions of, or made under, paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the extent permitted by regulations under this paragraph.

(8)Any regulations under this paragraph may make different provision with respect to different levels of income.]

Section 83.

[F42SCHEDULE 4CU.K.Decisions and Appeals: Departure Directions and Reduced Benefit Directions etc.

Textual Amendments

F42Sch. 4C inserted (4.3.1999 for specified purposes, 1.6.1999 in so far as not already in force) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 54; S.I. 1999/528, art. 2(a), Sch.; S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(g)(v)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Revision of decisionsU.K.

1U.K.Section 16 shall apply in relation to—

(a)any decision of the Secretary of State with respect to a departure direction, a reduced benefit direction or a person’s liability under section 43;

(b)any decision of the Secretary of State under section 17 as extended by paragraph 2; and

(c)any decision of an appeal tribunal on a referral under section 28D(1)(b),

as it applies in relation to any decision of the Secretary of State under section 11, 12 or 17.

Decisions superseding earlier decisionsU.K.

2(1)Section 17 shall apply in relation to—U.K.

(a)any decision of the Secretary of State with respect to a departure direction, a reduced benefit direction or a person’s liability under section 43;

(b)any decision of the Secretary of State under section 17 as extended by this sub-paragraph; and

(c)any decision of an appeal tribunal on a referral under section 28D(1)(b),

whether as originally made or as revised under section 16 as extended by paragraph 1, as it applies in relation to any decision of the Secretary of State under section 11, 12 or 17, whether as originally made or as revised under section 16.

(2)Section 17 shall apply in relation to any decision of an appeal tribunal under section 20 as extended by paragraph 3 as it applies in relation to any decision of an appeal tribunal under section 20.

Appeals to appeal tribunalsU.K.

3(1)Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), section 20 shall apply—U.K.

(a)in relation to a qualifying person who is aggrieved by any decision of the Secretary of State with respect to a departure direction; and

(b)in relation to any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Secretary of State—

(i)with respect to a reduced benefit direction; or

(ii)with respect to a person’s liability under section 43,

as it applies in relation to a person whose application for a maintenance assessment is refused or to such a person as is mentioned in subsection (2) of section 20.

(2)On an appeal under section 20 as extended by sub-paragraph (1)(a), the appeal tribunal shall—

(a)consider the matter—

(i)as if it were exercising the powers of the Secretary of State in relation to the application in question; and

(ii)as if it were subject to the duties imposed on him in relation to that application;

(b)have regard to any representations made to it by the Secretary of State; and

(c)confirm the decision or replace it with such decision as the tribunal considers appropriate.

(3)No appeal shall lie under section 20 as extended by sub-paragraph (1)(b)(i) unless the amount of the person’s benefit is reduced in accordance with the reduced benefit direction; and the time within which such an appeal may be brought shall run from the date of the notification of the reduction.

(4)In sub-paragraph (1) “qualifying person” means—

(a)the person with care, or absent parent, with respect to whom the current assessment was made; or

(b)where the application for the current assessment was made under section 7, either of those persons or the child concerned.

Decisions and appeals dependent on other casesU.K.

4(1)Section 28ZA shall also apply where—U.K.

(a)a decision falls to be made—

(i)with respect to a departure direction, a reduced benefit direction or a person’s liability under section 43, by the Secretary of State; or

(ii)with respect to a departure direction, by an appeal tribunal on a referral under section 28D(1)(b); and

(b)an appeal is pending against a decision given with respect to a different direction by a Child Support Commissioner or a court.

(2)Section 28ZA as it applies by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) shall have effect as if the reference in subsection (3) to section 16 were a reference to that section as extended by paragraph 1.

(3)Section 28ZA as it applies by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(a)(ii) shall have effect as if—

(a)in subsection (2)—

(i)for the words “the Secretary of State” there were substituted the words “the appeal tribunal”; and

(ii)for the word “he”, in both places where it occurs, there were substituted the word “it”; and

(b)in subsection (3)—

(i)for the words “the Secretary of State” there were substituted the words “the appeal tribunal”;

(ii)for the word “he” there were substituted the words “the Secretary of State”; and

(iii)for the word “his” there were substituted the words “the tribunal's”.

5(1)Section 28ZB shall also apply where—U.K.

(a)an appeal is made to an appeal tribunal under section 20 as extended by paragraph 3; and

(b)an appeal is pending against a decision given in a different case by a Child Support Commissioner or a court.

(2)Section 28ZB as it applies by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) shall have effect as if any reference to section 16 or section 17 were a reference to that section as extended by paragraph 1 or, as the case may be, paragraph 2.

Cases of errorU.K.

6(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, section 28ZC shall also apply where—U.K.

(a)the effect of the determination, whenever made, of an appeal to a Child Support Commissioner or the court (“the relevant determination”) is that the adjudicating authority’s decision out of which the appeal arose was erroneous in point of law; and

(b)after the date of the relevant determination a decision falls to be made by the Secretary of State in accordance with that determination (or would, apart from this paragraph, fall to be so made)—

(i)in relation to an application for a departure direction (made after the commencement date);

(ii)as to whether to revise, under section 16 as extended by paragraph 1, a decision (made after the commencement date) in relation to a departure direction, a reduced benefit direction or a person’s liability under section 43; or

(iii)on an application made under section 17 as extended by paragraph 2 before the date of the relevant determination (but after the commencement date) for a decision in relation to a departure direction, a reduced benefit direction or a person’s liability under section 43 to be superseded.

(2)Section 28ZC shall not apply where the decision of the Secretary of State mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b) above—

(a)is one which, but for section 28ZA(2)(a) as it applies by virtue of paragraph 4(1), would have been made before the date of the relevant determination; or

(b)is one made in pursuance of section 28ZB(3) or (5) as it applies by virtue of paragraph 5(1).

(3)Section 28ZC as it applies by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) shall have effect as if in subsection (4), in the definition of “adjudicating authority”, at the end there were inserted the words “or, in the case of a decision made on a referral under section 28D(1)(b), an appeal tribunal”.

(4)In this paragraph “adjudicating authority”, “the commencement date” and “the court” have the same meanings as in section 28ZC.]

Section 58(13).

SCHEDULE 5U.K. Consequential Amendments

The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1971 (c.62)U.K.

F431U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

The Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 (c. 36)U.K.

2U.K.In paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 (certain judicial appointments to be an excepted matter), after the words “for Northern Ireland”, where they first occur, there shall be inserted “ the Chief and other Child Support Commissioners for Northern Ireland ”.

The House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (c.24)U.K.

3(1)The House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 shall be amended as follows.U.K.

(2)In Part I [F44of Schedule 1] (disqualifying judicial offices), the following entries shall be inserted at the appropriate places— “ Chief or other Child Support Commissioner (excluding a person appointed under paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Child Support Act 1991). ” “ Chief or other Child Support Commissioner for Northern Ireland (excluding a person appointed under paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Child Support Act 1991). ”

F45(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F44Words in Sch. 5 para. 3(2) inserted (4.9.1995) by Child Support Act 1995 (c. 34), s. 30(4), Sch. 3 para. 19(1); S.I. 1995/2302, art. 2, Sch. Pt. 1

The Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (c.25)U.K.

4(1)In Part I of [F46Schedule 1 to] the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (disqualifying judicial offices), the following entries shall be inserted at the appropriate places— “ Chief or other Child Support Commissioner (excluding a person appointed under paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Child Support Act 1991). ” “ Chief or other Child Support Commissioner for Northern Ireland (excluding a person appointed under paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Child Support Act 1991). ”U.K.

Textual Amendments

The Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.37)E+W+S

5E+W+SIn section 4 (amount of aliment) of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985, at the end there shall be added—

“(4)Where a court makes an award of aliment in an action brought by or on behalf of a child under the age of 16 years, it may include in that award such provision as it considers to be in all the circumstances reasonable in respect of the expenses incurred wholly or partly by the person having care of the child for the purpose of caring for the child.”

Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)E+W+S

6(1)The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 shall be amended as follows.E+W+S

(2)In section 32 (vesting of estate and dealings of debtor after sequestration)—

(a)in subsection (3)—

(i)after paragraph (b) there shall be inserted—

“(c)any obligation of his to pay child support maintenance under the Child Support Act 1991,”;

(ii)after “relevant obligations” where second occurring there shall be inserted “ referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above ”;

(b)in subsection (5) after “Diligence” there shall be inserted “ (which, for the purposes of this section, includes the making of a deduction from earnings order under the Child Support Act 1991) ”.

(3)In section 37 (effect of sequestration on diligence), in subsection (5A) for “or a conjoined arrestment order” there is substituted “ , a conjoined arrestment order or a deduction from earnings order under the Child Support Act 1991 ”.

(4)In section 55 (effect of discharge under section 54), in subsection (2)(d)—

(a)after “being” there shall be inserted “ (i) ”;

(b)at the end there shall be inserted— “or

(ii)child support maintenance within the meaning of the Child Support Act 1991 which was unpaid in respect of any period before the date of sequestration of—

(aa)any person by whom it was due to be paid; or

(bb)any employer by whom it was, or was due to be, deducted under section 31(5) of that Act.”.

The Insolvency Act 1986 (c.45)E+W+N.I.

7E+W+N.I.In section 281(5)(b) of the Insolvency Act 1986 (effect of discharge of bankrupt), after “family proceedings” there shall be inserted “ or under a maintenance assessment made under the Child Support Act 1991 ”.

The Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.18)E+W+S

8(1)The Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 shall be amended as follows.E+W+S

(2)In section 1(5) (time to pay directions not competent in certain cases) after paragraph (c) there shall be inserted—

“(cc)in connection with a liability order within the meaning of the Child Support Act 1991;”.

(3)In section 15(3) (interpretation of Part I), in the definition of “decree or other document”, after “maintenance order” there shall be inserted “ , a liability order within the meaning of the Child Support Act 1991 ”.

(4)In section 54(1) (maintenance arrestment to be preceded by default) in paragraph (c) for “the aggregate of 3 instalments” there shall be substituted “ one instalment ”.

(5)In section 72 (effect of sequestration on diligence against earnings)—

(a)in subsection (2) after “order” there shall be inserted “ or deduction from earnings order under the Child Support Act 1991 ”;

(b)after subsection (3) there shall be inserted—

“(3A)Any sum deducted by the employer under such a deduction from earnings order made before the date of sequestration shall be paid to the Secretary of State, notwithstanding that the date of payment will be after the date of sequestration.”;

(c)after subsection (4) there shall be inserted—

“(4A)A deduction from earnings order under the said Act shall not be competent after the date of sequestration to secure the payment of any amount due by the debtor under a maintenance assessment within the meaning of that Act in respect of which a claim could be made in the sequestration.”.

(6)In section 73(1) (interpretation of Part III), in the definition of “net earnings”,

(a)in paragraph (c) for “within the meaning of the Wages Councils Act 1979” there shall be substituted “, namely any enactment, rules, deed or other instrument providing for the payment of annuities or lump sums—

(i)to the persons with respect to whom the instrument has effect on their retirement at a specified age or on becoming incapacitated at some earlier age, or

(ii)to the personal representatives or the widows, relatives or dependants of such persons on their death or otherwise,

whether with or without any further or other benefit; ”; and

(b)at the end there shall be added—

“(d)any amount deductible by virtue of a deduction from earnings order which, in terms of regulations made under section 32(4)(c) of the Child Support Act 1991, is to have priority over diligences against earnings.”

(7)In section 106 (interpretation) in the definition of “maintenance order”—

(a)the word “or” where it appears after paragraph (g), shall be omitted; and

(b)at the end there shall be inserted “or

(j)a maintenance assessment within the meaning of the Child Support Act 1991.”.

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