Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill

This is a small group of amendments dealing with debt, which was debated in some detail in Committee in both Houses. We have again listened to those comments and concerns and therefore agreed to amend the Bill in two important areas. The first relates to the sale of debt—the factoring of debt to third parties to pursue it, as provided for in clause 34. We have amended the Bill to specify that regulations will include a requirement that the consent of the parent with care be sought before any such arrangement is entered into. Similarly, we have amended the provision in clause 32 for accepting part payment of arrears as full and final settlement to specify that regulations will again include a requirement that the consent of the parent with care be sought in advance, before that is done. The amendments clarify policy in terms of the Bill, and I commend them to the House.