The government has admitted that one million cases are still being processed on the old Child Support Agency (CSA) computer system 16 months after they should have been moved to the new system.

It has further confessed that there is no end in sight for a solution to the problem.

The minister in charge of the CSA system said in October (Computing 21 October) that persistent problems with the computer system, developed by EDS, were still resulting in thousands of cases getting 'stuck' in the system.

Speaking in the Commons this week, Junior Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond refused to state when it would be possible to move cases to the new system on the grounds that it was 'highly irresponsible' to try to transfer old cases 'until we are sure the system is working properly'.

Pond said the government has been in 'robust discussion' with EDS over the ongoing saga.

'We are disappointed that the scheme is not in a fit state for us to be sure it can work properly,' Pond said.

According to Liberal Democrat MP Steve Webb, the delay means children across the country have each missed out on £700 in state support.

Conservative MP Gregory Barker demanded the government 'accept ministerial responsibility for the shambles' and pushed for a deadline for it to be resolved.