CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY

Early day motion 186, tabled 25 November 2004 by Lord Willetts (Conservative). Signed by 78 members.

That this House deplores the continuing problems at the Child Support Agency; notes the recent resignation of Doug Smith, the CSA's former Chief Executive; recognises that since May 2003 the Government has consistently refused to set a date for when old cases will be transferred to the new system; is concerned that hundreds of thousands of children are missing out on money to which they are entitled; believes that sorting out the current problems would be a vital step in tackling child poverty; agrees with the Prime Minister that the current performance of the Agency is unacceptable; notes that Ministers continue to fail to acknowledge their role in the current problems and accept responsibility; and calls on Ministers to set out a timetable for action, including a full response to the recent recommendations of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, so that people can understand when the problems will be eliminated.

Signatures by party: Conservative 60, Liberal Democrat 10, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Labour 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.