News from Vale of Clwyd Labour

AM: Child Trust Fund abolition will hit Welsh Children hardest

Welsh Assembly Member, Ann Jones, has hit out at the Conservative – Lib Dem coalition’s decision to scrap Child Trust Funds from next year. The Labour AM has added her name to an Assembly Statement of Opinion raising the concern over the implications the move has for children in Wales. The statement has been raised by fellow North Wales AM Karen Sinclair.

Between 1 September 2002 and 5 April 2008 3,244 Child Trust Fund accounts were opened in the Vale of Clwyd. These accounts have also benefited from Child Trust Fund Cymru payments which act as a top up for children in Wales.

The UK Government announcement was met with anger by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Children’s Minister, Huw Lewis AM who described the action as “anti-child”.

Along with local MP Chris Ruane, Ann Jones spent Saturday morning discussing the issue with families and other shoppers on Rhyl High Street.

Ann Jones AM said: “The Conservatives and their Lib Dem helpers are taking this action with zeal.

“They simply don’t believe that we should act to help our young people get a good start in life – here is the proof. The increased payments for children in low income families and the Child Trust Fund Cymru top-up for Welsh children were all part of Labour’s fight to eradicate child poverty.

“Its clear that the ConDem coalition has given up this fight – shame on them!

“With more than 3,200 accounts opened in the Vale of Clwyd alone it’s clear that this was a popular initiative. Children born from next year onwards will now miss out on this excellent idea thanks to Clegg and Cameron.”

Other news from Vale of Clwyd Labour

• Labour AM calls on Welsh Assembly to promote local produce - 29 September 2010
• Wales Union Learning Fund under threat of Tory cuts - 25 September 2010
• Teachers and pupils praised for exam success in Wales - 22 August 2010