Sir, David Aaronovitch (comment, Nov 29) is wrong to assume that the Child Support Agency is failing solely because of the nature of the task put in front of it.

While its failings are exacerbated by two broken-backed computer systems, at the root of the problem are the 150,000 fathers on the old computer who, because they were on benefit, were not required to pay a single penny in maintenance. But under the new rules they would pay a minimum of £5. There are also the 100,000 fathers whom the CSA appears unable to trace. Consequently, the current set-up of the CSA is inadequate for the task of tracking down fathers who refuse to pay anything for the upkeep of their children.

That is why in 1998, when the reforms for the CSA were being discussed, I proposed that HM Revenue should apply a maintenance tax on the standard and higher rates of income tax, paid through the pay-as-you-go system. In this way practically all CSA staff would then be free to chase those fathers who reneged on their responsibilities. This suggestion was ignored, and the Government instead decided to patch up the existing system inherited from the Tories.

Action could be taken this day to ensure minimum payments of £5 a week from the 150,000 cases languishing on the old computer system, with the private sector invited to trace, on a payment-by-results basis, the whereabouts of the further 100,000 absent parents.

FRANK FIELD
House of Commons

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