§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many liability orders were sought by the Child Support Agency from courts in Scotland during the last calendar year for which figures are available; how many were(a) granted and (b) granted and subsequently registered in each relevant judicial area in Scotland; and 489W what the average waiting time between submission of papers to the court and the granting of liability orders was (i) in total and (ii) in each judicial area. [125112]
§ Angela EagleThe 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 Faith Boardman to Mr. Ian Davidson, dated 12 June 2000:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency.You ask about the number of liability orders sought by the Agency from courts in Scotland during the last calendar year.The Agency's policy is to encourage compliance by non resident parents, but where this fails, to use the full range of powers given by Parliament to enforce payment of child maintenance. Where arrears do arise, the Agency will take firm and prompt enforcement action if the non resident parent does not make an acceptable offer to pay. Each case is considered on it merits and the Agency will take account of the likely effect of enforcement action on the welfare of any children involved.Wherever possible the Agency will use a Deduction from Earnings Order to enforce payment. This is an administrative mechanism operated on the Agency's behalf by the non resident parent's employer and does not involve the court. Where it is not appropriate the Agency will take action through the courts.In the last reporting year, April 1999 to March 2000, the Agency applied to the Sheriff's Court for 686 liability order, 354 of which were granted, 26 were withdrawn, dismissed or not granted and the remainder are still undergoing Court action. The information requested regarding liability orders granted and subsequently registered and average waiting time between submission of papers to the court and their action is not collected by the Agency.I hope this is helpful.