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Hi
I have recently had my Csa case recalculated which has resulted in thousands of pounds of arrears.
Some of this is due to the fact that I had a 15% reduction on my payments as we had a baby and this meant I was entitled to a reduction on the basis that the Csa take into account children living in my household.
Unfortunately the relationship with his mother ended and they left. We were very amicable and made a private agreement for child maintenance.
I did not inform the Csa of this change in circumstance and so the 15% reduction remained in place. The Csa have been informed of the change in circumstance and they have now backdated arrears for 3 years by removing the 15% reduction. When I asked them to take into account the fact that I was making private payments for the other child they said they would only do this if a case was opened for this child and they would not backdate this.
I feel that this is extremely unfair and have had different CSA advisors sympathising with me but there is nothing they cans do as it is legislation.
My ex partner who I have a private agreement for payments is more than willing to provide evidence of payments to help me appeal this decision.
Any advice on where to go next with this would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I don't have much knowledge on arrears I'm afraid. Someone else might be able to offer more advice here. Have you tried talking with your local CAB or MP? They might be able to help you.
Good luck
Unfortunately, I think the CSA are technically following the rules in that if there was a change in your circumstances that you should have informed them about (the fact that you were no longer entitled to the 15% reduction) then you are obliged to inform them immediately, but for them to take into account an agreement, it would only date from the date a case was opened. You could try approaching the ombudsman on the basis that the two events are linked, but otherwise you may have to accept that you owe the money and persist with the CSA to give you 2 years to pay the arrears.
Good advice above to speak to the CAB, that can't hurt.
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