Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Mike Weir (Scottish National Party). It was answered on Monday, 31 October 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Child Support Agency

Question: Last week, summing up a debate in Westminster Hall, the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Plaskitt), gave the following welcome assurance:"““We have undertaken that there will be no reduction in front-line staff working in the agency until we are absolutely sure that the system is robust and working.””—[Official Report, Westminster Hall, 26 October 2005; Vol. 438, c. 122WH.]" Can the Secretary of State tell us how he would define ““front-line staff””? Would they include the enforcement and criminal compliance team, and those who are involved daily in firefighting the various problems of the failing IT system in local offices?

Answer: In fact, we have increased the number of staff substantially over the last three months. Yes, those involved in direct enforcement are front-line staff, which is why we have been transferring back-office activity to the front line, using the product of information technology. I believe that we now have 2,000 staff on the enforcement programme. Obviously, clear signals and messages must be sent if people are to be compelled to pay.

Secondary information