CTF Top-ups continue to rise
The latest TISA Quarterly Survey of Child Trust Funds (CTFs) shows that parents and relatives continue to increase savings for their children’s’ future, despite economic uncertainty. The survey, which covers the period to 15 March 2008, provides insight in to the 2.14 million accounts opened by participating providers.
A further 480,000 accounts have been opened in the year since March 2007, with nearly134,000 of these in the last quarter alone. Encouragingly, the average size of contributions from parents and family members through both regular direct debits and lump-sums registered increases on the previous quarter.
Average direct debit payments are up this quarter by 21p to £21.64, while the proportion of accounts being regularly topped up by parents making regular direct debits remained about the same as in the previous quarter at 23.3% (down 0.1%). Lump sum contributions increased by some 4.9% – with 132,260 accounts receiving an average of £472. This is a substantial increase compared to an average of £386 one year ago.
Tony Vine Lott, Director General, said,
‘In our fifth CTF survey, we have found that parents continue to recognise that Child Trust Funds represent an, easy way to save for their children’s future. More parents are now increasing both lump sum and regular contributions. With the average direct debit contribution of £21.64 per calendar month, nearly a half million parents are following the Government’s example and contributing over £250 per year to their children’s future.’
‘We are continuing to work with providers and HM Government to maximise the participation and uptake of CTF by parents. We were pleased by Government’s announcement in the 2008 Budget that a physical voucher will not be required to open an account. We hope that this will help to simplify the account opening process for new parents and their financial provider of choice.’
NOTES TO EDITORS: Notes to editors:
TISA is the leading trade body for CTFs and tax incentivised savings. It has worked with the Government to develop and implement the CTF. This is the fifth quarterly CTF survey it has conducted.
TISA wants to remind parents and their families that every eligible child could benefit from tax free saving of £1200 per year to build into a nest egg for them when they reach 18 years of age.
If parents have questions or concerns, they should call or contact their CTF provider or contact the Government’s information helpline on 0845 302 1470 or by visiting http://www.childtrustfund.gov.uk/.
For more information on TISA’s work, please see www.tisa.uk.com
For further quotes, please contact: Jacob Coy, Cicero Consulting +44 7900 392 531 or jacob.coy@cicero-europe.com
Tony Vine-Lott, Director General of TISA +44 1372 374 728 or 0790 006 108 or tony.vinelott@tisa.uk.com