Justin Tomlinson MP signing in support of the On Our Own Two Feet Campaign
in March
In March, Justin Tomlinson MP backed the launch of a national campaign to help ensure that children in care are given better financial support when they leave the care system. The On Our Own Two Feet campaign, led by children’s charities Action for Children and Barnardo’s, called on the Government to include a savings scheme for children in care in the Budget.
Since then, with the backing of the MPs that supported the campaign, including Justin Tomlinson MP, Action for Children and Barnados have been in close discussions with the Department for Education to work out the details of the savings account scheme for looked after children.
The Department for Education has, this month, announced the details of the scheme, which are as follows:
• The new Junior ISA system will apply to over 55,000 children and young people in care across the UK
• £16.7m will be invested up to 2015 (over twice the funding originally announced)
• Every child in the UK who has been in care for a year or more will have a Junior ISA opened for them
• Every account will be opened with a deposit of £200
• A third party will run the scheme and fundraise for additional top-ups
Justin Tomlinson MP said “This is a fantastic scheme that will make a huge difference to children leaving care and embarking on their independent lives. Many of us have had help from our parents growing up but kids leaving care don't have this. It is important that they are not left behind and that they have every bit of financial help we can give the to ensure they have the support and start they need to fulfil their potential. I am pleased that the scheme has now been finalised and I welcome this announcement.”
More information about the campaign can be found at http://www.justintomlinson.com/news/145/