Section 24: Power to write off arrears
This section inserts new Article 38E into the Child Support (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, enabling the Department to write off arrears in circumstances where it appears to the Department that:
the circumstances of a case are as specified in regulations made by the Department; and
it would be unfair or otherwise inappropriate to enforce liability for maintenance arrears (for example, if a parent with care does not wish the arrears to be pursued because of a reconciliation with the non-resident parent).
Paragraph (2) of Article 38E provides regulation-making powers to the Department with respect to its power to write off arrears.