Overview

• Child Trust Funds were created for all children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 and become accessible at age 18.
• HMRC and the government have said more than 670,000 young people may have unclaimed accounts, with hundreds of thousands still untouched.
• Accounts were seeded with at least £250 and are held by banks, building societies, or other providers until the money is withdrawn or reinvested.
• Angela MacDonald of HMRC said thousands of accounts remain unclaimed and urged eligible people to use the official search service.
• Local reports warn that some third‑party firms charge up to £350 or 25% to trace accounts, which can cut payouts and slow the process even though claimants must provide the same details.