Government failing vulnerable children, says local MP

12.00.00am GMT Mon 6th Dec 2004

The Government is being pressed by local MP Andrew Stunell, to sort out late payments at the problem-plagued Child Support Agency.

Taking up local complaints with Government Minister Alan Johnson, Mr Stunell said:

"Over 4,500 mothers collect child support in Stockport, and for some vulnerable families it is the difference between mere survival and a decent standard of living.

"After months of computer glitches and late payments, I want to know why the Government are still refusing to set a date for transferring old cases to the new system. Implementing the new computer system has been a complete botch up, and it's high time the Government took responsibility for it."

The Government have failed to respond to a recent Work and Pensions Committee report calling for them to set out a timetable for action.

Andrew Stunell added:

"If the Government are serious about ending child poverty, they must make sorting out the chaotic computer system a top priority. I am asking Alan Johnson to bring an end to this confusion and give stability to vulnerable children.

ENDS