CLOSURE OF VINOVIUM HOUSE IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

Motion Text

That this House notes that there are 1.1 million families registered with the old Child Support Agency; further notes that £3.4 billion of arrears are outstanding; that this averages £3,000 per family which would make a significant impact on keeping these families out of poverty; notes that administration of the child support system needs to be improved; that the 83 staff at Vinovium House were a top-performing office and that staff are loyal and committed; that there are not many similar job opportunities in Bishop Auckland; notes that it is important small towns thrive; and calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to rescind their threat to close Vinovium House and continue to administer the Child Support System from this centre.