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How we collect and use information
Why we collect information
We collect information from a number of sources so that we can deal with an application for child maintenance. This information helps us to:
- trace non-resident parents
- work out how much the non-resident parent should pay
- make sure that the non-resident parent pays the right amount at the right time.
Who do we get information from?
When we want to start working out how much child maintenance a non-resident parent should pay, we always ask them and the parent with care for the information we need first. But if parents don't give us this information, the law allows us to ask other people or organisations for it. These people or organisations include:
- the non-resident parent’s employer(s), their accountant, or companies or partnerships that they provide services to government organisations, such as Jobcentre Plus,
- The Pension Service, HM Revenue & Customs and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
- prison services and local councils
- organisations that have information about the non-resident parent’s financial history, such as banks and building societies, credit reference agencies, and gas and electricity suppliers.
We don't have to get the non-resident parent's or parent with care's permission to contact these people or organisations.
Who can we share the information with?
We take the protection of personal information very seriously. Most of the time we will not tell anyone a parent's address or phone number. But, if a court orders us to release an address, we have to do so. If the law allows, we may also give information about parents to some other organisations, including:
- other government organisations such as Jobcentre Plus and HM Revenue and Customs
- local authorities (for the purpose of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit)
- a court or tribunal (in relation to child maintenance)
- debt-collection agencies and other organisations helping us to collect child maintenance.
We can also pass on information about you if we think it will help to prevent or detect crime.
How to access personal information
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, a parent can ask what personal information we hold about them on computer and in some paper records. The parent must ask us in writing for the information and give us information that helps us to be sure of their identity, including:
- their full name
- their date of birth
- their address
- the CSA case number
- their National Insurance number.
The parent should give enough detail to help us to identify and find the information - for example, the CSA office they deal with.
They should:
- send a letter to the Data Protection Officer at the CSA office that deals with their case, or
- write to:
The Child Support Agency
Data Protection Unit
Room BP6002
Benton Park View
Longbenton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1YX.
Once we have their letter and enough details to help identify the information they have asked for, we will send them a copy of the information if we have it. We will do this as soon as possible and within 40 calendar days.
Do you have to provide information to us?
Yes. It is a criminal offence if we ask someone to provide information and they fail to do so or give us information that they know is false. This applies to any person or organisation who, by law, must give us information. It covers people such as employers and accountants as well as non-resident parents and parents with care.
If someone fails to give us the information we need, or they give us information that they know is false, they could taken to court and fined up to £1,000 for each criminal offence.
