Campaign wins simpler route to locked Child Trust Funds

The government has promised a direct route to Child Trust Fund savings for young adults lacking mental capacity. Ministers estimate that 63,000 to 126,000 people in England and Wales have been unable to use their funds without a Court of Protection order.

The planned scheme would let a suitable parent or carer apply to the fund provider, with proportionate evidence and safeguards. Average balances are about £2,600. Scotland and Northern Ireland already have separate routes for low-value assets.

The change follows a six-year campaign led by parent Andrew Turner and supported by disability charity Contact, finance providers and MPs. It is not operating yet: Parliament must approve the enabling amendment, and secondary legislation must settle who can apply, what proof is needed and how account holders are protected. That unfinished work matters, but a parent-led campaign has secured a concrete route towards unlocking savings for tens of thousands of young people.

Sources

• UK Government — Child Trust Fund injustice to end under Government plans
• Contact — Major Child Trust Fund victory for parent carers
• UK Parliament — Child Trust Funds written statement