News In Focus
4 January 2006
CSA tagging idea gains momentum
The government is considering whether to enforce electronic tagging of absent fathers who fall behind with maintenance payments, the Work and Pensions Secretary has confirmed.
John Hutton confirmed yesterday that the idea is one of a number being examined as he tries to tackle the failings of the Child Support Agency, which currently costs more to run than it recovers in payments from fathers.
The idea became public in November (see http://www.journalonline.co.uk/news/1002455.aspx) via a leaked letter from civil servants to Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Other proposed sanctions included confiscation of passports, disqualification as company directors and community orders.
The proposal was attacked at the time on the ground that the CSA already had all the powers it needed. Opposition parties yesterday described the idea as a gimmick.
The Agency is due to complete a "root and branch" review of its operations early this year.