HC Deb 02 April 2001 vol 366 cc84-5W
23. Caroline Flint

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the means of communicating with the Child Support Agency. [154881]

Angela Eagle

In preparing for the child support reforms, the Agency is providing improved telephone access over longer hours and face to face interviews where this is the best way of dealing with inquiries.

Improved information technology will allow staff from across the Department to share information and the Agency will be making use of the internet to provide another information gateway for customers.

31. Mr. Best

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review the assessment of existing Child Support Agency cases in line with the new legislation. [154890]

Angela Eagle

The new child support scheme will be introduced for new cases by April 2002. Existing cases will be transferred to the new scheme at a later date once we are sure that the new scheme is working well. Changes in the levels of assessment will be phased in.