Sensitive case @ CSA

[humptynumpty]

Hi
Am posting here cos thought you guys might be able to help.
DH has a case open with CSA regarding DSD. He has spoken to CSA today in response to a letter they sent and they have told him that the case is classed as "sensitive". What does this mean or is it just a way they have of saying we won't tell you what ex is saying about you?
Many thanks

They're not allowed to tell you anything ex is saying anyway.

My, still unresolved after 6 years case, is not classed as sensitive. But Ex couldn't ring up and ask if I had sent them any info, where I lived, what dd's birthday is etc. He can only ask if they have info he has sent them.

Fair enough shiny, thanks for clarifying, so what is "sensitive"? Does it just mean all cases are confidential or is it a special status for some cases?

What does the letter say?

The only thing that your DH should really be concerned with is that the assessment is correct and the information the CSA have is correct.

The organisation NACSA (national association for child support action) is your friend, as is the free forum on the website A Fairer CSA For All.

Your DH should also request in writing under the Data Protection Act all his personal information. Both websites have template letters to send to CSA.

I would never speak to CSA as they routinely get things wrong, lie to you and provide incorrect information. You have no proof of what they say either. So always write to CSA and send letters recorded delivery.

If you start to bash your head against a brick wall then make an appt with your MP

Hi yerblurt the letter was just stating that we were paying the wrong amount of maintanance.
When dh phoned to find out what the hell was going on, as we have been making payments as we were told to, he was told that the case is "sensitive" and we were wondering what that means?
Many thanks for the links to NACSA, will have a proper look...
Many thanks!

Write back to them requesting a full breakdown of the assessment and how the assessment was arrived at.

You want to be wary of any arrears that they may suggest you are liable for...

DPA request has to be complied with by law in max 40 days, they took 85 days for me - so I then made an official complaint to the ICO (their data was incomplete too!)

To be warned, from January (I believe), they have started charging £10 for a copy of your files.

It may just be the person you were speaking to used the term "sensitive" when it has no actual meaning with the organisation. I've never heard of it used before ...

You could ring back anonymously and ask what they mean by a "sensitive" case.

thanks all, this whole thing is a mess!!

ChocHobNob - yes CSA used to provide your DPA file on request for no charge. A data controller can charge up to £10 for your DPA files, looks like CSA are doing this now.

could the other parent work for the agency or another government agency, be in witness protection or a sex change case? That is what sensitive case means in benefits.

Yerblurt Am I just being cynical or could that be in the hope that less people request their DPA files? Less people noticing the errors the CSA have made? Less people having their assessments reduced to the correct amount?

update
dh spoke to csa. His file is classed as sensitive because ex wife knows someone who works for csa, so the file is secure so her mate can't read it???

That actually sounds crediable as a reason.

oh I agree with you onadiet just seems a bit strange, I mean, what if your mates work for police/doctors/inland revenue? Do you get special status there too? I don't remember ever being asked if I know anyone who works there?