tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7985429043801017839.post2299523793776502913..comments2023-10-27T07:50:27.411+01:00Comments on Next Left: Osborne pledges to cut the Child Trust FundTom Hampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05917325958130851128noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7985429043801017839.post-17057288156726701912009-10-07T08:37:49.351+01:002009-10-07T08:37:49.351+01:00So this is what progressive conservatism amounts t...So this is what progressive conservatism amounts to in practice. Taking away a modest grant that is provided to all children while at the same time raising the inheritance tax threshold that will benefit the wealthiest in our society. <br /><br />Osborne’s promise to limit the Child Trust Fund chips away at the universal welfare state and points towards a means-tested and residual future. As Stuart White notes, benefits for the poor can quickly become poor benefits. <br /><br />I’ve done research with parents on their attitudes to the Child Trust Fund. One of the main findings of this was a strong commitment to a provision of a Child Trust Fund for all. They felt all children should get something, irrespective of background. <br /><br />This proposal also has implications for efforts to improve the financial capability of the young. Part of the purpose of the Child Trust Fund is to help young people learn about money in a practical fashion and in a way they are likely to find engaging. There are lessons at school on how to manage the Child Trust Fund. Evidence shows that the Child Trust Fund can help youngsters plan ahead, and planning for the future is a priority area. What will happen to the Child Trust Fund and the opportunities for learning under these proposals? Would lessons be restricted to only those with Child Trust Funds, or would they happen at all?Rajiv Prabhakarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11584123798020110432noreply@blogger.com