Child Trust Funds: what will the planned law change mean for families?
5 mins read
Thursday 5 November 2026
The government has committed to changing the law to make it easier for disabled young people who lack the mental capacity to manage their finances to access their Child Trust Fund savings.
This is a significant breakthrough after six years of campaigning led by parent carer Andrew Turner, supported by Contact.
Families have been asking what happens next, whether Junior ISAs will be included and what they can do now. Here is what we know so far.
What has the Government announced?
The government plans to amend the Financial Services and Markets Bill to enable a new scheme. This is expected to allow a suitable person, such as a parent carer, to apply directly to the Child Trust Fund provider to access savings on the young person’s behalf.
The details will be developed with charities, campaigners and financial providers, including who can apply, what evidence they will need and how the young person’s money will be protected.
Does this mean I can access my young person’s savings now?
The new scheme is still being developed. However, some providers, including OneFamily, Foresters Financial, Nationwide and others, already consider applications through a simpler “industry process”.
This draws on paperwork parent carers may already hold, including documents used for DWP appointeeship. Applications are considered individually, and requirements vary between providers.
Ask your young person’s Child Trust Fund provider whether it offers this route and what documents it requires. Our guidance includes a flowchart to help you explore your options. Read our guidance on accessing Child Trust Funds.
Will Junior ISAs be included?
The government’s announcement focuses on Child Trust Funds. We are asking ministers to include Junior ISAs too.
Disabled young people who lack mental capacity can face the same difficulties accessing Junior ISA savings when they turn 18. We want families to have a straightforward route whichever type of account their young person holds.
We will raise this through MPs at the Second Reading of the Financial Services and Markets Bill and continue pressing for Junior ISAs to be included as the legislation develops.
Want to help secure this change? Join our campaign to receive updates and hear how you can get involved.
When will the new scheme start?
A start date has yet to be announced.
The Financial Services and Markets Bill is scheduled for its Commons Second Reading on Tuesday 10 November. The government plans to introduce an amendment to enable the scheme, followed by regulations setting out its details.
We will press for a clear timetable and share updates as more information becomes available.
Why can families have difficulty accessing Child Trust Funds?
Child Trust Fund savings become available at 18. But if a young person lacks mental capacity to manage their finances, parent carers cannot automatically access the money on their behalf, even as a DWP appointee.
In England and Wales, families can face a complicated and costly Court of Protection process, although some providers offer the industry process described above.
Will the Court of Protection still be available?
Yes. The new scheme is intended to provide a simpler route for accessing Child Trust Fund savings. The Court of Protection will remain available as an alternative route for protecting the financial interests of people who lack mental capacity.
Who will qualify, and will there be a limit on how much can be accessed?
These details have yet to be confirmed. This includes who can apply, what evidence will be needed, any limits on withdrawals and whether there will be application charges.
Contact will make the case for a straightforward, accessible and low-cost process, with appropriate safeguards and decisions made in the young person’s interests.
What if we live in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Current arrangements differ between nations. Scotland has an Access to Funds scheme through the Office of the Public Guardian. In Northern Ireland, the relevant body is the Office of Care and Protection.
We will seek clarification on how the new scheme will operate across the UK. Our existing guidance explains where families can find help now.
What will Contact do next?
We will continue working alongside Andrew Turner and parent carers to turn this commitment into practical change.
We will press for Junior ISAs to be included, help shape the scheme’s application process and safeguards, and ask for clear guidance for families while the legislation is developed.
We are also gathering the questions and experiences families have shared on social media to inform our discussions with ministers, officials and financial providers.
This is a moment to celebrate parent carers’ determination and keep working together so disabled young people can benefit from their savings.
Help more families secure change
This breakthrough shows what parent carers can achieve with sustained support to get their voices heard. Your donation will help Contact provide practical advice and campaign alongside families for the changes they need.
If you’re able to, please help us continue this work.