Enable young people with learning disabilities to access their own money

Motion Text

That this House notes that the first Child Trust Funds, established 18 years ago, are being paid out to recipients this month; notes that many young people will receive upwards of £1,000 at an important time in their lives; expresses concern that no mechanism has been put in place to enable parents of children with learning disabilities to access their savings; understands that under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, young people with some kinds of learning disabilities are unable to make financial decisions for themselves; further understands that this leaves families with the only option of pursuing legal action; notes this has the potential to cost more than the savings; further notes that this is estimated to affect around 180,000 young people; considers these young people may face many barriers in their lives and the job of governments is to break down barriers and create equality of opportunity; and calls on the Government to help these young people to receive the funds to which they are entitled.