CSA hands over powers to new agency

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Child Maintenance Enforcement Commission takes over responsibility for recovering £3.8 billion in missed maintenance payments.

The Commission has pledged to recover £2 billion but has said that the remainder will probably never be paid.

A spokesman said: "Around half of the historic debt, about £2 billion, is collectable, along with the new and tougher enforcement powers the Commission will be taking on. The Commission will use its powers to the full to ensure that parents do not evade their responsibilities."

Child support payments are claimed directly from the absent mother or father, so lone parents lose out if they are not made.

The CSA currently collects £36 million in payment arrears per month, an increase of 40% in the past year. In total, around 68% of the money claimed is successfully paid.

Some parents make themselves untraceable to avoid paying out, the Commission spokesman said.

He said the Commission has no intention of asking the Government for permission to write off the debt.

The Commission will have new powers which will mean staff do not have to go to court to take action against parents who have failed to make payments.

It replaces the CSA, which was thrown into meltdown by a disastrous computer system change in 2003.