HC Deb 03 April 2000 vol 347 cc336-7W
31. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he is taking to ensure that the self-employed comply with Child Support Agency instructions. [115895]

Angela Eagle

We expect all parents to meet their responsibilities to their children by providing information to the Child Support Agency. If a self-employed person refuses to provide details of their income, the CSA has a range of measures available to obtain the information, including powers to examine accounts and, as a last resort, to ask the Inland Revenue for information about earnings provided for tax purposes.

34. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his proposals for reform of the Child Support Agency. [115899]

Angela Eagle

Our reforms will introduce a customer focused child support system that parents will be able to understand. It will ensure regular and reliable maintenance for over one million more children.

Barbara Follett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce a statutory obligation on the Child Support Agency to pay compensation to its clients for delays and mistakes they have experienced. [115873]

Angela Eagle

In common with other Government Departments, the DSS and its Agencies have a discretionary compensation scheme to cover financial loss, suffering or distress caused by poor administration. The CSA also has the power to write off child support arrears and compensate the parent with care where substantial delays have occurred. Provisions in the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill, currently before the House will put these arrangements on to a statutory basis.