CSA should be scrapped says Foster

4.42.53pm GMT Thu 27th Jan 2005

Commenting on the new Work and Pensions Select Committee report condemning the failing performance of the Child Support Agency, Bath's MP, Don Foster, said:

"I welcome this report, which reinforces the view that the CSA is beyond repair. The Committee has a Labour majority and the Government should take heed of what its own MPs are saying.

"I've dealt with so many cases of constituents who've been seriously let down by the CSA, and I know the enormous heart-ache and frustration this sort of dispute can cause."

"Families and children have suffered for too long, as successive governments have failed to get a grip on the CSA. It has been patched so many times that it is beyond repair and should now be scrapped.

"The Inland Revenue already holds information about family incomes and children so could easily take over the assessment of child maintenance. The Inland Revenue would also be far more effective than the CSA at collecting maintenance.

"We would also introduce a system of tribunal-based family courts, expanding upon the existing Appeals Service, to deal with those who felt the initial guidance did not reflect their circumstances."