
With the latest issue of Resolution's
Review I have received a small leaflet entitled "Replacing the CSA". The leaflet outlines Resolution's proposals for the reform of the Agency, following the Government's announcement of a review (as reported here previously - see
this post), as follows:
+ More staff - clearly, the agency is chronically under staffed. My worry here is that a huge new investment in staff is required, but is unlikely to be forthcoming.
+ Cases need dealing with quickly and properly - obviously, but this can only be achieved with more staff.
+ Let the court deal with complex cases - agreed, but how do you define 'complex'?
+ Extend the range of enforcement measures and use them - agreed.
+ An independent arbitrator to exercise discretion - the current system is too rigid, and produces results that are often unfair in the particular circumstances of the case. The problem, of course, is deciding in which cases to allow discretion.
+ Allow couples to sort things out themselves - this is, of course, built into the present system, except where the parent with care is on benefit.