Children born after September 2002 could receive a payment of at least £250 when they reach seven years old as part of the Government’s Child Trust Fund scheme under government proposals.
Children would receive the top-up payment in addition to the £250 they will get at birth. Children from low-income families will get £500 at birth and a £500 top-up at seven.
Chancellor Gordon Brown met with parents, children and childcare providers in England and Wales last week to discuss the possible top-up payment and to promote this month’s launch of the Child Trust Fund, part of the Government’s 10-year strategy for childcare.
Speaking at the Pinehurst and Penhill Sure Start Centre in Swindon, he said: “I want the Child Trust Fund to ensure that, at 18, every child will have some wealth from which to plan their adult future.”
He added: “We are the first government to launch a nationwide consultation to engage parents in planning the next stage of childcare and children’s services, providing parents not just with choice in provision but a voice in the design of that provision.”
While there is widespread support for Brown’s childcare strategy, believed to be a keystone of the next election campaign, it received heavy criticism last week from Sure Start’s creator, Norman Glass. Writing in the Guardian he described Brown’s plans as “all smoke and mirrors”, saying that it would be impossible for the Government to meet its childcare targets without raising taxes.
The consultation period for Labour’s 10-year childcare strategy, which was unveiled last month, runs until 24 February.
The Government’s pre-Budget report “Choice for parents, the best start for children: a ten year strategy for childcare” can be accessed at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/pre_budget_report/prebud_pbr04.
