HL Deb 11 January 2000 vol 608 c113WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the administrative costs of the Child Support Agency. [HL402]

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs Faith Boardman. She will write to the noble Earl.

Letter from the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency, Mrs Faith Boardman, dated 5 January 2000.

I am replying your Parliamentary Question to Her Majesty's Government about the administrative costs of the Child Support Agency.

Our cash allocation for 1998–99 was £203 million, increased mid year by £12 million for customer service initiatives.

Full details are given in the Agency's published accounts. A copy of the 1998–99 accounts was placed in the library of the House of Commons on 14 July 1999.

For 1999–2000 the Agency is required to live within its allocation of £218.645 million. Given rising workloads this is a considerable challenge to further improve the 52 per cent efficiency gains already achieved since 1995–96.

The Agency continually seeks to improve service to the public and live with the resources allocated as well as delivering a service that is cost effective and efficient for the taxpayer.

I hope this is helpful.