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Dept for Work and Pensions;Child Support Agency

Answer

Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) in how many cases since 1 January the Child Support Agency has incorrectly cancelled existing deductions from earnings orders; and if he will make a statement; [135211] (2) in (a) how many and (b) what percentage of cases in the last 12 months a maintenance enquiry form to the non-resident parent was not issued within (i) one month, (ii) two months and (iii) three months of an application being made to the Child Support Agency by the parent with care. [135212] 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 Mike Isaac to Mr. Webb dated 20 November 2003 In replying to your recent Parliamentary questions about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive. As heis currently on leave I am replying on his behalf. You asked in how many cases since 1st January the Child Support Agency has incorrectly cancelled existing deductions from earnings orders. You also asked in how many and what percentage of cases in the last 12 months a maintenance enquiry form to the non-resident parent was not issued within (a) one month, (b) two months and (c) three months of an application being made to the Child Support Agency by the parent with care. I am afraid that the information, which you requested, is not available. There has been no requirement to collect it under the old Child Support scheme and computer system. As you are aware the new Child Support scheme and computer system were introduced for new applications on 3rd March this year. It is our intention to collect information of the type, which you have requested, and we are working with EDS, the new system providers, to develop the functionality we need to do this. It is worth pointing out that under the new scheme we are conducting as much of our work as possible by telephone, directly with both parents. Consequently, most maintenance enquiry forms are completed by our staff through telephone interviews with the non-resident parent. Only where we are unable to trace a telephone number for the non-resident parent do we issue a clerical form for his/her completion.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

413 c1343-4W;413 c1339-40W; 135211;135212

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Children Applications Child Support Agency Maintenance Standards

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk