HC Deb 13 December 1996 vol 287 cc371-2W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current level of arrears in maintenance payments remaining to be collected by the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement. [7909]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter front Ann Chant to Mr. Elfyn Llwyd, dated 12 December 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency arrears. The amount of Full Maintenance Assessment arrears remaining to be collected by the Child Support Agency at 30 November 1996 was 433,774,491. Of this amount, approximately £262 million is the subject of agreed arrangements for repayment by instalments, which are closely monitored. The Agency is making every effort through the full range of powers available to it to secure payment of the balance. I hope this is helpful.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the accuracy rate of the assessments made by the Child Support Agency in 1994; and what is the latest available figure. [7908]

Mr. Mitchell

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. Elfyn Llwyd, dated 12 December 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency accuracy rates. The accuracy of assessments has been the subject of a Secretary of State target since 1995/96 only; exact information for 1994 is not therefore available. Estimates suggest however, that the Agency's accuracy rate at that time was around 50%. For the current year, the target is to achieve a continuing improvement so that in at least 85% of cases checked in March 1997, the assessment value will be for the correct amount to the last penny. In October 1996 the accuracy rate was 77%, and the Agency remains on course to meet the target. I hope this is helpful.