HC Deb 12 July 1994 vol 246 c569W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has on the number of fathers who have left their jobs following assessment by the Child Support Agency.

Mr. Burt

The information requested is not available. It is, however, unlikely that many fathers would leave their jobs to avoid paying maintenance for their children. Following the legislative changes in February, the maintenance assessment formula ensures that all absent parents, and their second families, are at least £30 a week better off after payment of maintenance than they would be if unemployed and receiving income support. In addition, someone who has left work voluntarily is not entitled to unemployment benefit, and income support is payable at a reduced rate.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints he has received about the workings of the Child Support Agency since its creation.

Mr. Burt

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

Letter from J. T. Hughes to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 12 July 1994: In her absence the Chief Executive, Mrs. Hepplewhite, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of complaints that have been received about the Child Support Agency since its creation. Between 5 April 1993 and 31 March 1994, 10,886 complaints were recorded, which represents just over 1 per cent. of the 850,000 cases the Agency has taken on. I hope you will find this reply helpful.

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