MP Resolves CSA errors

Two years ago in 2009 I received a shock demand for £5000 from the CSA. I had paid more than this directly to the resident parent. I wrote stating this to the CSA without response, I wrote again with supporting bank statements. I called the CSA to discuss the same but was shouted down. I called two other people at the CSA and got a second and contradictory third version of events.

I was threatened court action. In desperation, not expecting much I gathered everything in a file and posted it together with a letter to my MP. Two weeks later I began to receive the first of 7 apologies from the CSA. The Lib Dem MP had contacted the CSA and confronted them with the facts.

The arrears disappeared and the many letters of apology were a complete about turn on the CSA’s originally intractable position. I would urge people in a similar position to follow the democratic process and contact their MP in writing with supporting evidence. Not all MPs will help, but there is a good possibility they will.