CLOSURE OF VINOVIUM HOUSE IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

Early day motion 1001, tabled 1 March 2017 by Helen Goodman (Labour). Signed by 23 members.

That this House notes that there are 1.1 million families registered with the old Child Support Agency; further notes that £3.4 billion of arrears are outstanding; that this averages £3,000 per family which would make a significant impact on keeping these families out of poverty; notes that administration of the child support system needs to be improved; that the 83 staff at Vinovium House were a top-performing office and that staff are loyal and committed; that there are not many similar job opportunities in Bishop Auckland; notes that it is important small towns thrive; and calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to rescind their threat to close Vinovium House and continue to administer the Child Support System from this centre.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.