The child support agency under new public sector management: an analysis of the UK system of child support after separation within a next steps agency

Abstract

The subject of child support is one that crosses the boundaries of many academic disciplines, not least public and social policy. The formation of effective child support policy and the efficient implementation are fundamental requirements in order to sustain a fair and workable system for the provision of financial maintenance for children after the separation of their biological parents. This study considers the combination of changes brought about by the themes of new public management in the introduction and implementation of a controversial child support policy and the subsequent execution of child support legislation by the Child Support Agency. The emphasis is made on the Child Support Agency as a Next Steps Agency in analyzing its internal organization and operational performances within the themes of new public sector management. In this study comparisons are made between what child support policy was intended to achieve under the principles of new public sector management and the actual outcomes that have been realized