§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current media strategy of the Child Support Agency; what is its(a) current and (b) planned budget; who is responsible for the current strategy; and which media companies the Agency has employed in the strategy. [24471]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyAll children are entitled to the support of both parents wherever they live. We are looking closely at all aspects of the child support scheme to see where improvements can be made. We aim to bring forward proposals by the summer. The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Derek Wyatt, dated 28 January 1998:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the media strategy of the Child Support Agency.As Chief Executive of the Agency, I am responsible for Agency's media strategy. This strategy uses the most cost effective means to:provide a prompt, accurate and responsive service to media requests for information;correct inaccurate or misleading information which appears in the media;and promotes a better understanding of Child Support matters.Total expenditure on media activity for 1997–98 is £149,384. £83,472 of this expenditure relates to the staff who are delivering the strategy. The budget for 1998–99 has yet to be agreed.No media companies have been employed in developing and implementing the current strategy. However, some services such as the provision of press cuttings and the distribution of press releases are provided by outside contractors. The costs of these services are met from the media budget.I hope this is helpful.