§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the new child support agency is likely to come into operation, and where the administrative staff are to be located.
§ Mr. JackWe plan to establish the Child Support Agency in early 1993—subject to the successful passage of the Child Support Bill. Most of the agency's staff will be located in six child support offices, each capable of housing some 500 staff. There they will do the bulk of processing and assessment work which does not require face to face contact with the customer. Negotiations are taking place which, if concluded satisfactorily, would site offices in Belfast, Birkenhead, the Black Country (Dudley area), Falkirk, Hastings and Plymouth, creating job opportunities for the local communities. Around one third of the agency's staff will be co-located in Benefit Agency offices to conduct interviews, visit customers, pursue local inquiries and offer advice and guidance about the agency's services.