HC Deb 12 February 2004 vol 417 cc1590-1W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many self-employed non-resident parents have failed to meet the required Child Support Agency calculated maintenance payments in the last 12 months; and how many of these cases remain unresolved. [147836]

Mr. Pond

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

Letter from Doug Smith to John Barrett dated 12 February 2004: In reply to your recent Parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive. You asked how many self employed non-resident parents have failed to meet the required Child Support Agency calculated maintenance payments in the last 12 months; and how many of these cases remain unresolved. The last period for which we have validated information is from March 2002 to February 2003. In that period the number of self-employed non-resident parents who had received an assessment but had not fully met their required payments totalled around 27,600. I am unable to say how many of these cases remain unresolved.

Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the Child Support Agency computer system to be working at its planned level; and if he will make a statement. [149476]

Mr. Pond

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has placed reports on progress in implementing the new scheme in the Library.

Progress is dependent on the computer service provided by EDS meeting agreed standards. The Child Support Agency is working closely with EDS to resolve problems with the IT but cannot yet say how long this may take.

Tom Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps against internet sites which exist to help people reduce or avoid their obligations to the Child Support Agency. [154002]

Mr. Pond

If it comes to light that a particular site contains incorrect information, is defamatory or advocates illegal action, the Department will take appropriate steps.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what(a) representations he has received and (b) assessment he has made of the (i) human rights implications and (ii) possible grounds for legal complaint arising from the unequal Child Support Agency assessments made between clients prior to and after April 2002. [154215]

Mr. Pond

Like many hon. Members and their constituents, we are keen that everyone who has dealings with the Agency should benefit from the reforms. However, we will transfer old scheme cases only when we are sure the new scheme is working well. Where an old scheme assessment is in place, the old law and provisions made under it will continue to apply until the case is moved to the new scheme. We are satisfied that this approach is legal and correct.