§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consider how far the improvements they are seeking in the performance of the Child Support Agency are compatible with the change programme initiated by the previous government.
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamWe will be assessing the department's current programme of changes to ensure further improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the Child Support Agency, including a better service to all its clients and better value for money. The receipt of regular maintenance is a key part of the Government's strategy for helping lone mothers into work. With this in mind, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 2 July that an extra £15 million a year will be made available to the agency from April 1998 specifically aimed at getting more absent parents to pay the maintenance which is due.