§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Child Support Agency will start operations; what its performance targets will be; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtThe Child Support Agency, the latest next steps executive agency of the Department of Social Security, will start operations on 5 April 1993, providing a comprehensive child maintenance service. I have set the agency the following performance targets for 1993–94
60 per cent. of people with care of children making eligible applications to the Agency to have maintenance arranged.Annual benefit savings—£530 million.65 per cent. of clients to regard the service as satisfactory.To manage the Agency's resources so as to deliver its business plan within a total budget of £115 million.I have today placed in the Library the agency's framework document, business plan for 1993–94 Child Support Agency charter. I have also placed in the Library the child support manual and field operations guide which will provide the operational guidance used by child support officers and staff.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans there are for the child support adjudication guide to be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtThe child support adjudication guide is being published by HMSO today and copies will be placed in the Library of the House. The guide contains detailed guidance from the chief child support officer on how child support officers should interpret the new laws on maintenance assessments from 5 April. This will be invaluable to child support officers in interpreting the law, but it should also prove useful to outside agencies in providing help and advice to their clients.
The publication of the guidance reflects our commitment to being open about the working of the new child support legislation. In line with the citizen's charter, it represents another move towards greater openness generally in the Department.