New handbook guides parents through child support system

An updated guide for parents finding their way through the complicated child support system has been published by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) this month.

Sir David Henshaw’s review of child support is due to be announced in the next few days. Meanwhile, the latest edition of the Child Support Handbook is invaluable to parents who are struggling with the system as it applies in 2006/07.

The 14th edition of the popular Handbook has been fully updated to give clear, practical guidance to the child support scheme and explains:

• Who can apply for maintenance and who has to pay
• How to apply and how to withdraw an application
• How maintenance is calculated under both the old and new schemes
• The powers of the Child Support Agency (CSA) to pursue maintenance and seek information
• Conversion to the new scheme and transitional provisions
• The rules for parents with care on benefit who want to opt out
• Collection and enforcement, and negotiating payment in arrears
• Challenging decisions and making complaints

Practical examples, tactical hints and arguments are included. The Child Support Handbook is fully indexed and cross-referenced to legislation, official guidance and caselaw.

Kate Green, Chief Executive of CPAG, said:

“Any changes to the child support system in the Henshaw review will take some time to implement so this latest edition of our handbook remains indispensable for those struggling with the CSA today. This is one of our most popular books and we receive lots of positive feedback from parents and advisers who have used it to successfully navigate their way through the child support system.”

The Handbook costs £23.00 plus £3.99 postage (or £6.00, post free, for individual benefit claimants – direct from CPAG). To order direct from CPAG please phone 020 7837 7979 or send a cheque/PO to Child Poverty Action Group, 94 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PF. Email enquiries to bookorders@cpag.org.uk

For further information from CPAG please contact:
Alex Belardinelli
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
abelardinelli@cpag.org.uk