Source · National Audit Office

Child Maintenance Client Funds Account 2019-20

Published: 16 Dec 2020 Recommendations: 5 Type: Financial Audit NAO confirmed: 5 Department: Department for Work and Pensions

The C&AG has reported on the Child Maintenance Client Funds Account 2019-20

Dept: Department for Work and Pensions Topics: Childcare and children's servicesWork, welfare and pensions nao.org.uk →

Recommendations

5 items
4 accepted 1 partially accepted 4 implemented
Rec Recommendation Addressee Acceptance Implementation
1
For the 1993 and 2003 schemes, the Department should continue to review the service it is providing to parents and ensure that it: • maintains adequate records and has a clear process to support parents who are concerned that arrears balances now being collected are inaccurate;
Ref Page 21, paragraph 7, first bullet point
Department for Work and Pensions Accepted Implemented ✓ NAO
2
• understands the impact of COVID-19 and the changes it has made as a result of COVID-19 on the schemes and cases, and that it takes appropriate action should these be detrimental to the schemes, cases or parents; and
Ref Page 22, paragraph 7, second bullet point
Department for Work and Pensions Accepted Implemented ✓ NAO
3
• allocates sufficient resource to provide appropriate customer service and timely responses to queries and complaints.
Ref Page 22, paragraph 7, third bullet point
Department for Work and Pensions Partially accepted Not relevant ✓ NAO
4
To enhance accountability and reporting, the Department should: • take steps to ensure maintenance collected can be allocated to schemes and cases, to support accurate reporting and prompt payment to parents with care; and
Ref Page 22, paragraph 8, first bullet point
Department for Work and Pensions Accepted Implemented ✓ NAO
5
• continue to review its assessment of collectability of arrears relating to the 1993 and 2003 Schemes in light of experience to date and report its assessment of collectability transparently in the 1993 and 2003 schemes Account.
Ref Page 22, paragraph 8, second bullet point
Department for Work and Pensions Accepted Implemented ✓ NAO