Asked by: Baroness Stedman-Scott (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of any (1) Family Test, (2) environmental principles, and (3) equality analysis, documents that they have produced in respect of the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
A Family Test and an Equality Analysis were produced as part of the Ministerial decision-making process in line with the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duties. The environmental impact was given due consideration, which concluded that there was no direct environmental impact.
The equality analysis was published on 13 September and is available on Gov.UK ( DWP Freedom of Information response - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). I will deposit a copy of the equality analysis and Family Test Assessment in the House Libraries.
By convention, such analyses are not published alongside secondary legislation. However, in view of the close public interest in this issue I have decided, exceptionally, to publish in this case.
Asked by: Baroness Stedman-Scott (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to review the four per cent fees charged to receiving parents in the Child Maintenance Service.
Answered by Viscount Younger of Leckie - Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions)
There are no plans to abolish the four per cent collection charge for receiving parents. This charge only applies to the collect and pay service and is intended to provide a parent with an incentive to use the direct pay service which has no ongoing fees.
The collection charge for the receiving parent is deducted only when maintenance is paid, with no money owed to the Child Maintenance Service if maintenance is not paid. These charges contribute to the cost of running an expensive service, which remains subsidised by the taxpayer.