HC Deb 02 May 1996 vol 276 cc638-9W
Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what tendering exercises he plans to initiate in the next three years in relation to the Child Support Agency computer system. [26818]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

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

Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 1 May 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency Computer System. The Agency is currently reviewing the information systems it uses. This includes an assessment of the potential impacts of the Departmental Change Programme. Once the whole review process has been concluded and the findings assessed, the Agency will be in a position to make decisions with regard to tendering exercises. I hope this is helpful.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes are to be made to the Child Support Agency computer system in the next three years. [26856]

Mr. Mitchell

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 1 May 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency Computer System. Current plans anticipate significant releases to make changes to the Child Support Computer System. The first will include the facility for automatic calculation of more of the maintenance assessment to speed up the assessment calculation process and assist in improving accuracy. Another will enable the maintenance assessment to be revised to reflect a Departure from the formula. In addition a planned enhancement to our accounting system will improve accuracy and provide our clients with more information about their maintenance accounts. These changes are scheduled to be introduced between now and April 1997. Plans for changes beyond that are not yet complete. I hope this is helpful.