142.The current child support scheme can be thwarted by parents who fail to produce the information required to make a child maintenance assessment. Parents may also provide false information, which can result in an incorrect assessment of liability. When the current scheme was developed, this problem was to be addressed by applying punitive interim maintenance assessments to uncooperative non-resident parents. This sanction has proved ineffective because it is practically impossible to enforce a punitive interim maintenance assessment. The lack of effective sanctions was highlighted in the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate’s report on the Child Support Agency.
143.The White Paper A new contract for welfare: CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES made it clear that, for the new scheme, the Government intended to ensure that parents who sought to avoid their child support responsibilities would face effective penalties. In particular the White Paper proposed a new penalty for parents who lied to the Child Support Agency or refused to provide information.
144.Section 13 introduces a new section 14A which provides for a fine of up to £1000 for anyone who provides false information or refuses to supply information to the CSA.
Part 1: Child Support. Commentary on Sections Information Section 13: Information – offences