#ChildTrustFundAccess Campaign Update

05.10.16

You may have seen from our recent blog and social media activity that the launch of the Child Trust Fund Access campaign has been gathering pace.

The campaign highlights a critical problem with Child Trust Funds, which we believe could see thousands of disabled children disadvantaged. The UK Government introduced Child Trust Funds in 2005 with the aim of ensuring that every child has savings at the age of 18. However, there was no consideration made for the needs of disabled and vulnerable people, who may not have the mental capacity to be able to access and manage their funds at the age of 18.

For those that do not have the mental capacity to manage their finances, their families and carers will need to apply to the Court of Protection to act as the child’s deputy. This process can cost in excess of £400, a sum which may actually exceed the amount held in the Child Trust Fund.

Since launching the campaign to raise awareness of the fact that thousands of disabled children in the UK may not be able to access their money, we have been delighted with the response.

More than 82 families have taken part in our survey, sharing their own experiences and assisting us in gathering data to help demonstrate the scale of the issue.

The online petition now has over 235 signatures, with more being added daily. Having seen the level of support from the families and charities we work with, we are more committed than ever to take the campaign to the next level.

Katherine Miller, Director at Renaissance Legal and champion of the Child Trust Fund campaign, said:

“Thank you to everyone who has supported the Child Trust Fund Access campaign so far. We are delighted by the response received to date, but we’re not stopping here. We need to secure more signatures to the petition so that we can take the campaign to the relevant government departments and instigate a change enabling disabled people to access the money in their fund. We are urging our clients, charity partners and the local business community to help us raise awareness among the general public by sharing details of the campaign with friends and family”.

To get involved in the Child Trust Fund Access campaign please contact us:  info@renaissancelegal.co.uk