The Child Support Agency was set up because far too many parents (mainly fathers) were bringing children into the world and were not prepared to support them financially. The court system was not working in very many cases and something had to be done. But in my experience the CSA went for all the wrong targets. Instead of going after the men who use every trick in the book to avoid paying for their children they would pick on the decent guys who were more than happy to support their kids then try to bleed them dry even when they had children from a new relationship. I could write a book about the number of times these families would come to me at the end of their tether. Not only could they not afford what the CSA were looking for but it would have taken the proverbial Philadelphia lawyer to work out how the amount was calculated. The whole process caused conflict and distress and led to more separations- hardly in the best interests of the children.
What is also not in the best interests of children is for lone parents to struggle along for years and never see a penny from their ex partners while they swan around in fancy cars, taking foreign holidays, telling lies to the CSA about their income and getting away Scot free.
But the most annoying aspect of the system is the unnecessary interference of the CSA when a couple are able to reach an amicable agreement which both parties can accept because, whatever their feelings toward each other, they can put their children first. Divorce is not a happy experience for anyone but I do believe the vast majority of parents love their children and want only the best for them. Provided both parties agree on an equal and fair basis it should be up to them, but for those who refuse to cooperate I would through the book at them. That’s why I am pleased that the CSA is to be dismantled Its replacement will be a slimmed down agency which will concentrate on those absent parents who refuse to pay up. Parents who are splitting up will be encouraged to agree their own arrangements for maintenance. The new body will have powers to confiscate passports, send in the sheriff officers and even put electronic tags on those who refuse to pay a penny.

Turning up the heat on Ministers

As if the last few weeks haven’t been hot enough I turned up the heat on five different Government Ministers meeting with them to raise matters of importance to this constituency.

Family Amusement Centres
First I met with Richard Caborn the Sports Minister in relation to the ‘small stakes and prizes’ gaming machines which operate in Family Amusement Centres, particularly in seaside resorts. This was in my capacity as a member of the All Party Group for Seaside Towns but obviously with Ayr and Girvan mainly in mind. But the issue also affects social clubs and the licensed trade in general. The stakes and prizes allowed for these small gaming machines have been frozen for years and these, mainly family businesses have been struggling as a result. There was a real danger of yet another seaside tradition going to the wall. I am pleased to say that Richard Caborn made it clear that he had had positive talks with the industry especially in relation to protecting children, and an announcement will be made shortly.

Assisted Area Map
Next I met Margaret Hodge, Minister at the Department of Trade and Industry, to discuss the new Assisted Area Map which is currently out for consultation.  As it stands, Girvan, Ayr and the Coalfield Communities may lose out, so I wanted to press their case. Having access to regional selective assistance can be crucial in attracting new business to the area and with it badly needed jobs.

Post Office Card Account Petition
I am grateful to all of the postmasters and mistresses the length and breadth of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Constituency who collected signatures for my petition about the Post Office Card Account which allows people to access their benefits at the Post Office, This is set to end by 2010. I presented the petition to James Plaskitt, Under Secretary at the Department of Work and Pensions. I am pleased to have confirmation that among a range of options open to customers at that time there is likely to be an entirely new account put in place when the contract comes to and end. Thanks also to the thousands who signed my petition.

Lost Pensions
I met yet again with John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to discuss the plight of those who lost their pensions when their company pension went bust. The Government have come up with £2,5 billion to assist but more needs to be done. I told the Secretary of State I would be continuing with the campaign. In the meantime anyone affected must register with the Financial Assistance Scheme if they have not already done so. Phone my office for details (01292 262906).

Fuel Duty and Open Cast Mining
Finally, I met with Treasury Minister, John Healy to discuss Fuel Duty. I was therefore pleased that the planned increase due in September has been postponed as I am only too well aware of the recent rises in oil prices  which have affected prices at the petrol pump. However, I am also very worried about the effects on jobs in Opencast Mining in Ayrshire.