The Child Support Agency is operating "on borrowed time", an influential committee of MPs has warned.

In a report published on Wednesday, the work and pensions select committee said the controversial agency should be scrapped if it cannot prove itself "fit for purpose".

The committee said the agency was struggling to deliver on its key role of assessing child support levels and ensuring that correct payments are made.

There was also strong criticism of plans to cut the agency's staff by a quarter, and a warning that current computer systems were struggling to cope with the demands placed upon it.

"We believe the Child Support Agency is a failing organisation which is currently in crisis," said the report.

"It is difficult to exaggerate the damage the agency's already low reputation has continued to suffer over the last five years.

"If it is going to take a further five years for the CSA to be fit for purpose, might it not be better to consider a range of options offering a completely fresh approach."

Committee chairman Sir Archy Kirkwood said the CSA "is operating on borrowed time".

"Rapid, radical action is needed if the department is to deliver a service that children deserve. If the agency cannot be rescued, then it must be replaced," he said.

He added: "Cutting the work force at this critical time is the major concern of the committee.

"It's a massive breach of trust for the thousands of staff who’ve worked hard to improve the service. It makes no sense to implement job cuts when the agency is already struggling."

The MPs also said the CSA should make greater use of its enforcement powers to ensure the payment of child support.

"Over half a million children from broken relationships continue to suffer," said Sir Archy.

"The woeful record of the CSA is a shameful indictment of the government's priorities.

"The Department for Work and Pensions should shelve plans to cut CSA staff and work hard to improve the situation forthwith."