What will the Child Trust Fund law change mean for families?
3 mins read
Thursday 5 November 2026
This week we are celebrating a major campaign win as the government has pledged to change the law around access to Child Trust Fund savings.
The breakthrough is a tribute to parent carer campaigns, led by Andrew Turner, who fought for six years to secure this change.
So what’s the issue – and what’s going to change?
Child Trust Funds are a type of tax-free savings account – later replaced by junior ISAs – for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011.
Children can’t access the money put into these accounts until they turn 18. However, many disabled children lack the capacity to manage their financial affairs at this age. In order to access savings on their child’s behalf, parent carers in England and Wales must go through a lengthy and laborious Court of Protection process.
In Scotland, families apply to the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland. And in Northern Ireland, families apply to the Office of Care and Protection.
What is the government doing?
The government has pledged to replace the Court of Protection process.
The details of the new process are not clear at this stage. But the expectation is that parent carers will be able to directly approach Child Trust Fund providers for access.
Some providers currently use an “industry process.” This allows access on a case-by-case basis using documents parent carers use to manage their child’s benefits account.
The government has said it will now work with various stakeholders to design the process. This includes who can access funds, what evidence they need, and what safeguards must be in place to protect disabled young people lacking mental capacity.
How will this happen?
The government will make an amendment to the Financial Services and Markets Bill, currently making its way through parliament.
The Bill’s second reading will take place next week, on Tuesday 10 November.
Following parliamentary approval, secondary legislation will set out details of the new process.
Contact will continue working closely with parent carers, ministers, officials and financial providers to ensure:
1. Practical interim guidance: Clear, accessible pathways remain available for families whose children turn 18 while the new law is being drafted and passed.
2. Proportionate safeguards: The final system remains straightforward and low-cost for families without introducing unnecessarily complicated processes.
3. Smooth implementation: Banks and building societies are fully prepared to enact the statutory changes without delay once the legislation receives Royal Assent.
Contact will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Andrew Turner and parent carers until the new law is fully enacted and every locked account is opened.