§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much money in excess of the proper calculation was paid by parents without care through the Child Support Agency to parents with care, in the last year for which information is available; and how much was recovered from parents with care and repaid to parents without care; [7718]
(2) how much money below the proper calculation was paid by parents without care through the Child Support Agency to parents with care, in the last year for which information is available; and how much was subsequently recovered and paid over. [7719]
§ Malcolm WicksThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member.
55WLetter from Mike Isaac to Mr. Andrew Turner, dated 11 October 2001:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the Child Support Agency.Mr Smith is unavailable and therefore I am writing to you on his behalf.You asked how much money in excess of the proper calculation was paid by parents without care through the Child Support Agency to parents with care in the last year for which information is available; and how much was recovered from parents with care and repaid to parents without care.You also asked how much money below the proper calculation was paid by parents without care through the Child Support Agency to parents with care in the last year for which information is available; and how much was subsequently recovered and paid over.The information you have requested in the first part of each question is not available, as it is not collected in the format you have asked for.However in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts for 2000–2001, the National Audit Office estimated that overpayments amounted to £5 million and underpayments amount to £12 million. These figures were based on a sample of cases examined, which showed underlying errors in maintenance assessments and incorrect adjustments to customer's accounts. Any variance of 1p of more in an assessment is regarded as an error.Where we identify that maintenance has been overpaid it will be refunded to the parent without care either in a lump sum or by means of reducing the ongoing liability that has to be paid.Maintenance that was due but not paid is collected as arrears. Arrears are either received in lump sum payments or agreements are reached where by a parent without care will pay an amount towards arrears in addition to regular maintenance. If no agreement can be reached between the Agency and the parent without care then that case would undergo enforcement action.The value of the excess of the proper calculation and also that, which is below the proper calculation, is not collected in the format you have requested to enable me to give a definitive reply.I hope this is helpful.