§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with the development of the Child Support Agency following the recent cut in its finances.
85WA
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Viscount Astor)There has been no cut as such in the Child Support Agency's financial allocation. There have been alterations in the allocation but these are because of internal departmental transfers arising from changes of responsibility. The details are in the table.
The Government are keeping the development of the Child Support Agency under review as with any new agency. The Child Support Agency has made a determined start on its important task of ensuring that more children receive more maintenance, more reliably.
Child Support Agency—Financial Allocation for 1993–1994 £m February March June November 19931 19932 19933 19934 121 114 117 120 Notes: 1 This is the original allocation figure, quoted in the Departmental Report. 2 This is the Main Estimate figure. The reason for the reduction was a transfer of some £7 million to the Independent Tribunal Service for services to be provided for CSA. (The Agency's Business Plan quotes £115 million, as a result of roundings.) 3 This is the allocation as amended by the Summer Supplementary Estimate. The increase is because of transfers from the Benefits Agency. 4 This is the Winter Supplementary Estimate. The increase is essentially because of a transfer frorn the Information Technology Services Agency.