Thousands of young people could be affected in the area

Young people in Newtown and the surrounding area could have money waiting for them in a Child Trust Fund, Powys County Council has said.

More than 9,000 Child Trust Funds remain unclaimed across Powys, meaning thousands of people born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 may have savings they can now access.

The UK government introduced Child Trust Funds to help children start adulthood with some financial support. Every eligible child born during that period had an account set up for them, but many may not realise it exists.

At 16, the young person can take control of the account, and from 18 they can withdraw the money to save or spend as they wish.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “Many young people may not realise they have money waiting for them in a Child Trust Fund. At a time when finances are tight, it could make a real difference. This money belongs to you.

"Whether you're planning for education, housing, or saving for the future, I strongly encourage all eligible young people to check their accounts and claim what is rightfully theirs.”

The Share Foundation, which supports young people to find and claim their funds, has a free online tool at [findctf.sharefound.org](https://findctf.sharefound.org/) where users can check if they have an account. You’ll need a National Insurance Number, but if you don’t know it, Meic Cymru can help.

For more information, visit www.meiccymru.org](https://www.meiccymru.org/do-you-have-money-hiding-in-a-child-trust-fund, text 84001, or call 080880 23456.