CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY OPERATIONS

Early day motion 114, tabled 12 June 1997 by Desmond Turner (Labour). Signed by 99 members.

That this House deeply deplores the unfair inconsistencies long apparent in the operation of the Child Support Agency; notes, for instance, that fathers who have made maintenance arrangements for their former partners are being pursued by the CSA for much higher payments, far in excess of their means, while, on the other hand, there are many women who have never received any maintenance payments at all because of the failure of the CSA to pursue their former partners with sufficient vigour; believes that the CSA is currently concentrating its efforts on soft targets, rather than a consistent enforcement of proper maintenance obligations; and urges the Government to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the operations of the CSA at the earliest opportunity.

Signatures by party: Labour 78, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 8, Scottish National Party 1, Unknown 1.