274.When the 1991 Act was passed by Parliament, it included a provision for the periodical review of child support assessments. When an assessment had been in force for a prescribed period (initially a year, subsequently extended to two years) the Secretary of State was required by this provision to write to both parents to find out if their circumstances had changed. When all the information needed to make an assessment had been checked, a new assessment of child support liability would be made.
275.In practice, this process proved difficult to operate. Parents, many of whom had been unwilling to co-operate in making the first assessment, failed to reply to requests for further information. Others were unable to provide all the information which the Secretary of State required. Since it was impossible to clear the periodical review without this information, substantial backlogs of work built up. The problem became even worse as cases where a review was stalled became due for another review.
276.In June 1999, the decision-making and appeal processes in CSA were improved and streamlined. Section 16 of the 1991 Act, which provided for periodical reviews, was replaced by a provision for revision of decisions. However, transitional provisions ensured that outstanding periodical reviews could still be completed.
277.There are still some 350,000 periodical reviews outstanding. The CSA has made it clear that it will complete any review where either parent requests this. There is, however, little sign that parents want past periodical reviews completed. The effect of these reviews is difficult to predict – some will increase liability, thus creating substantial debts for the non-resident parent, while others reduce liability, creating overpayments which have to be recovered from the parent with care.
278.This section removes the requirement on the CSA to complete outstanding periodic reviews. This provision will come into effect when the Act receives Royal Assent.