Child Support Agency (Hansard, 30 June 1997)

8. Mr. Desmond Turner
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on her plans in respect of the functions of the Child Support Agency. [4341]

§ Mr. Keith Bradley
As I indicated when we debated Child Support on Friday 20 June, we intend to look closely at all aspects of the Child Support Agency to ensure that it provides an efficient and effective service. Children are entitled to the support of both parents wherever they live. My key objectives for the Child Support Agency during the coming year are to sort out cases faster, tackle the backlog of cases, and chase up fathers who avoid paying.

§ 20. Mr. Baldry
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of Child Support Agency orders for payment are in arrears. [4355]

§ Mr. Bradley
The latest figures show that over two thirds of absent parents with a full maintenance assessment and paying through the Child Support Agency are in arrears. This is not an acceptable situation and we are determined to ensure that the Agency improves its performance in pursuing absent parents for the maintenance that they owe.

§ 32. Mr. Connarty
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the workings of the Child Support Agency. [4368]

§ Mr. Bradley
We intend to review all aspects of the Child Support Agency to ensure that it provides an efficient and effective service. Our key objectives for the Child Support Agency over the coming year are to sort out cases faster, tackle the backlog of cases, and chase up fathers who avoid paying.

§ 37. Ms Squire
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures she intends to take concerning the operation of CSA appeals procedures. [4373]

§ Mr. Bradley
We believe that there are a number of changes which can be made to streamline the child support appeals process to provide a better, simpler, more efficient service to clients. We intend to bring forward legislation to improve current appeals arrangements. Further details will be announced in due course.