Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 November 2005. It was answered by James Plaskitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Child Support Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition he uses of (a) full compliance and (b) partial compliance in Child Support Agency statistics; and whether the definition has changed in the last five years.

Answer: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Stephen Geraghty to Mr. David Laws, dated 29 November 2005:"You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition he uses of (a) full compliance and (b) partial compliance with the Child Support Agency and whether the definition for statistical purposes has changed in the last five""A case is defined as compliant if maintenance was due via the collection service (either regular maintenance and/or arrears) in the preceding quarter, the case was open at the end of that quarter, and any payment was received during the period.""A case is considered to be fully compliant if the amount of maintenance received over the reporting period is greater than or equal to the amount charged, and partially compliant if a maintenance payment is received that is less than the amount due.""The above definitions, for statistical purposes, have not changed over the last five years.""I hope you find this useful."

Secondary information