Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 April 1996. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 April 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: What new proposals he has to improve the Child Support Agency; and when he expects to present them to Parliament.

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what new proposals he has to improve the Child Support Agency; and when he expects to present them to Parliament.[24837] Mr. Mitchell: On 2 April, the Government published their response to the second report in the 1995-96 Session of the Social Security Committee and a report on a review of the good cause provisions of the Child Support Act 1995. These described a number of new measures which should improve aspects of the system. In addition, I recently announced plans for the recruitment of an independent complaints examiner, improvements to the agency's compensation scheme and the introduction of interest payments on maintenance collected but not transferred promptly to the parent with care. These measures build on major legislative changes introduced by the Child Support Act 1995. As the Government have consistently made clear, we keep all aspects of child support under close scrutiny and make changes whenever necessary.

Secondary information