CSA fight mum says reform is needed (From Warrington Guardian)

CSA fight mum says reform is needed

A NORTHWICH mum who reached a settlement with the Child Support Agency after taking legal action has welcomed plans to shake up the system.

Earlier this month work secretary John Hutton told Government ministers the CSA's performance was unacceptable and that a 'root-and-branch review' of the UK's child support system would be completed by the summer.

Mum-of-three Alison Davies took legal action against the agency last year claiming it had miscalculated her maintenance payments.

She has welcomed the news that private debt collectors can be used to recoup the agency's multi-billion pound arrears owed by absent parents and there will be more powers to chase maintenance payments.

And the 44-year-old, who planned to take her case to the Court of Appeal, was delighted to find out on Monday that her arrears payments and court costs would be settled and said the tide is slowly changing.

She said: "It's positive news that the agency could have a complete overhaul as there are major changes that need to be made especially with assessment and enforcement.

"It can take up to a year for the assessment stage to be completed by a non resident parent which in turn can lead to a significant backlog of payments. The CSA needs to spend more time and resources getting this initial stage right."

But while Alison believes the review is a step in the right direction she is urging parents to keep fighting the CSA for what is rightfully theirs.

She said: "I think people have been put off fighting their cases but a new group of family lawyers called Resolution has come together and they are becoming specialists in fighting CSA cases.

"The more people try to challenge it the more the system will have to be overhauled."

She added: "I think my situation gives a positive message that it does work and people should not be afraid of challenging the CSA."