The new agency is set to have more power than its predecessor

The quarterly statistics showed that the shortfall at the end of the 2005/06 financial year was �242m greater than the previous year.

But the agency said the average monthly increase in the amount owed had slowed from �23m to �20m.

In the quarter ending last month, the CSA collected 88% of the money due.

This was broadly the same as in previous quarters.

The CSA is due to be replaced by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC) from 2008.

CMEC will have the power to dock wages and withdraw the passports of absent parents.

The power to impose curfews and confiscate driving licences will also be given to that commission.

The CSA was set up in 1993 to ensure parents who do not live with their children pay for their upkeep.

Reforms begun in 2003 cost �539m but the scheme worked no better than its predecessor.

It has been estimated that one-third of non-resident parents pay nothing despite their maintenance being assessed.