§ 17. Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence there is that the Child Support Agency is now coping efficiently with its work load. [20136]
§ Mr. BurtThe agency is showing an improvement in a number of areas. This year it has completed 528,400 cases compared with 336,200 last year, and has completed almost twice as many second tier reviews. As a result, the agency expects to collect more than £70 million compared with £13.1 million last year.
§ 19. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time the Child Support Agency takes to make an assessment; and thereafter in what period those assessed have to make a payment. [20138]
§ Mr. BurtThe length of time taken to complete an assessment is variable as it depends on the receipt of information from various sources. Once the Agency has all the information it needs, it is currently taking 123 days to complete an assessment. Where no payment is received within 14 days from notification of the maintenance assessment, the agency can consider enforcement action.