§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what provision he has made to promote advice to employers via the Child Support Agency on the method of the payment of deductions from earnings orders, which will ensure that parents in care and their children receive the child maintenance due to them with minimum delay; and if he will make a statement. [37050]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Miss Ann Chant, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.
Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Mr. Rhodri Morgan, dated 17 October 1995:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security on the subject of Deduction from Earnings Orders (DEOs).When a DEO is issued to an employer it clearly states the amount to be deducted and when this should be paid to the Child Support Agency; it also provides guidance on the methods of payment.
Additional guidance for employers on DEOs is contained in a Child Support Agency leaflet called "Advice for Employers". I have enclosed a copy of this for you. The Agency also has an enquiry line for employers should they require further information (local rate telephone number 0345 134134) and we hold meetings with employers' representatives and payroll providers.
We have not identified any general problems or concerns with this method of payment.