§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of the statement by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration in paragraph 2 of his third report (Investigation of Complaints against the Child Support Agency) that he had "turned away over 320 individual referrals for investigation", what alternative channels for seeking redress were open to those complaining.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the noble Lord.
Letter to Earl Russell from the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency, Miss Ann Chant, dated 2nd April 1996.
I am replying to your parliamentary Question to Her Majesty's Government about alternative channels of redress when the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (PCA) does not accept a referral for investigation.
All cases referred for investigation by the PCA are sent to him by a Member of Parliament acting on behalf of the individual involved. The PCA's jurisdiction covers maladministration, not policy or legislation or matters of adjudication that have their own independent appeals process. In cases that are not accepted for investigation, and indeed any other case, a Member of Parliament may always raise any concern directly with the Minister, or with myself as Chief Executive of the Agency.
I hope this is helpful.
42WA
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Child Support Agency will improve arrangements for correcting errors in its computer records.
§ Lord Mackay of ArdbrecknishThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the noble Lord.
Letter to Earl Russell from the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency, Miss Ann Chant, dated 2nd April 1996.
I am replying to your parliamentary Question to Her Majesty's Government about correcting errors in the Child Support Agency computer records. The computer records held by the agency include both personal details and maintenance assessment data.
The agency makes every effort to ensure that the personal information held on the Child Support Computer System is correct; our main source of information is from our clients themselves, and the details they provide us.
As far as maintenance assessments are concerned, we are committed to continuous improvement to the computer system and at present there are two further releases due this year which make further adjustments to the system. Additionally, several initiatives have been introduced over the last six months. These include developing an aid to guide staff through the relevant decision-making processes, and introducing stringent checks to ensure that procedures have been correctly followed.
Any errors identified on the system, whether on personal details or maintenance assessment data are referred to the appropriate section urgently for correction.
I hope this is helpful.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to section three of the third report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Investigation of Complaints against the Child Support Agency, whether there is a potential conflict between the Child Support Agency's duty of confidentiality and its obligations under the Data Protection Act 1984.
§ Lord Mackay of ArdbrecknishThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the noble Lord.
Letter to Earl Russell from the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency, Miss Ann Chant, dated 2nd April 1996.
I am replying to your parliamentary Question to Her Majesty's Government about potential conflict for the Child Support Agency between confidentiality and the Data Protection Act 1984.
The agency operates its computer systems in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection 43WA Act 1984, the Computer Misuse Act of 1991, and the Social Security Administration Act of 1992.
The Child Support Agency is registered with the Office of the Data Protection Registrar, in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act. This registration includes details of the sources from which we may request information and to whom such information may be disclosed.
In addition, the Child Support Act and Regulations provide for the furnishing of information or evidence and specify clearly the persons who can be required to co-operate. The regulations also provide for the disclosure, by the Secretary of State or a child support officer, of information held by them for the purposes of the Act.
The agency is aware of the sensitive nature of the information which it collects, and has taken firm measures to ensure that confidentiality is maintained and personal information is protected.
I hope this is helpful.