PART 3New Calculation Rules – Consequential and Miscellaneous Amendments

Amendment of the Child Support Information Regulations8

1

The Child Support Information Regulations (Northern Ireland) 200826 are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (4).

2

In regulation 2 (interpretation)—

a

in paragraph (1) for the definition of “Maintenance Calculation Procedure Regulations” substitute—

  • “the Maintenance Calculation Regulations” means the Child Support Maintenance Calculation Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012;

b

omit paragraphs (2) and (3).

3

In regulation 7 (duty of persons from whom information requested) omit paragraph (3).

4

After regulation 9 (duty to notify change of address) insert—

Duty to notify increase in current income9A

1

In a case falling within paragraph (2) or (3), the Department may notify the non-resident parent of the requirement to notify the Department of any relevant change of circumstances in relation to that income.

2

A case falls within this paragraph if, in relation to a maintenance calculation in force—

a

gross weekly income is determined by reference to the non-resident parent’s current income as an employee or officeholder (in accordance with regulation 37 of the Maintenance Calculation Regulations); and

b

paragraph 5(b) of the Schedule 1 to the Order27 (nil rate) does not apply.

3

A case falls within this paragraph if, in relation to a maintenance calculation in force—

a

gross weekly income is determined by reference to the non-resident parent’s current income (in accordance with regulation 36 of the Maintenance Calculation Regulations); and

b

paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 1 to the Order applies.

4

A notification by the Department under paragraph (1) must be in writing.

5

Where a relevant change of circumstances occurs after the non-resident parent has been notified of a requirement under paragraph (1) the non-resident parent must notify the Department of that change—

a

within fourteen days beginning with and including the day on which the change occurs; or

b

within such other period as the Department has specified in its notification.

6

For the purposes of a case falling within paragraph (2), a relevant change of circumstances occurs where—

a

the non-resident parent—

i

commences a new employment or office, or

ii

in relation to an existing employment or office, commences a new rate of remuneration or a new working pattern,

and could reasonably be expected to know that would result in an increased liability under the maintenance calculation in force if reported to the Department; or

b

the non-resident parent receives from their employment or office the following number of consecutive payments, each of which (if it were taken as a weekly average) exceeds the gross weekly income taken into account in the maintenance calculation in force by 25 per cent. or more—

i

five payments, in the case of a non-resident parent paid weekly,

ii

three payments, in the case of a non-resident parent paid fortnightly,

iii

two payments, in the case of a non-resident parent paid four weekly or monthly.

7

The payments referred to in paragraph (6)(b) are the gross remuneration from the employment or office in question less any pension contributions deducted under net pay arrangements.

8

In paragraph (7) “net pay arrangements” means arrangements for relief in respect of pension contributions under section 193 of the Finance Act 200428.

9

For the purposes of a case falling within paragraph (3), a relevant change of circumstances occurs where the non-resident parent’s income increases to a gross weekly income of £5 or more.

10

For the purposes of paragraph (9), gross weekly income is to be calculated in accordance with regulation 44(2) of the Maintenance Calculation Regulations.

5

In regulation 13(1)(d) (disclosure of information to other persons) for “regulation 23 of “the Maintenance Calculation Procedure Regulations” substitute “regulation 25 of the Maintenance Calculation Regulations (notification of a maintenance calculation)”.