The CSA had been repeatedly criticised since it was set up

Mr Blunkett told GMTV that a "root-and-branch" reform of the child support system would be announced before the end of the year.

Since it started in 1993, the CSA has been dogged by controversy. In particular it has suffered computer failures causing severe payment delays.

In January, a study by MPs said the CSA may have to be shut down and replaced.

Mr Blunkett told GMTV on Monday: "None of us can be in any doubt that the CSA, over many years, has not delivered.

"It has been a complete shambles and I am absolutely determined that we are going to do something about it."

Mr Blunkett added that that one of his most urgent tasks was to bolster morale among the CSA's 10,000 staff.

Mediation

At the same time, Mr Blunkett announced plans for a new mediation process to try to agree payments by absent parents before they become involved with the agency.

"I want to set up a gateway before people get into the CSA. We want to actually look at how we can conciliate or mediate," Mr Blunkett said.