Gwenda Thomas AM Welcomes Child Trust Top-Up For Children

CHILDREN in the Neath Constituency will receive a top-up on their Child Trust Fund, thanks to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.
The money aims to encourage saving, improve financial literacy and help tackle child poverty.

Gwenda Thomas AM today welcomed the premium and said it would provide a helping hand for children from low-income families.

The Child Trust Fund Cymru will mean that children born between 1 September 2002 and 31 August 2004 who already have a Child Trust Fund account will have £50 paid into their account.

Children from families on low incomes will be eligible for £100 on top of their Chid Trust Fund delivered by the UK government.

Mrs. Thomas said: "Reducing child poverty is one of our key priorities here in Wales and these funds will make a real difference. This money will help set these children up for life when they turn 18 and encourage them to save further funds"

“The extra investment for children from low-income families will mean they are given a financial boost when they become 18.”

Floodline Contact Numbers

Gwenda Thomas AM today urged her constituents in Neath and the surrounding valley areas to take note of the contact number for the Environment Agency’s Floodline.

Following recent heavy rains there are a number of flood warnings in place across Wales, with Environment Agency staff on 24 hour alert continuously monitoring river levels.

Environment Officers on the ground are on stand-by to check flood defences, clear river blockages and install flood barriers where necessary.

Mrs Thomas advised her constituents, ‘ We have all seen the devastation to homes and families that flooding can cause, along with the resulting road blockages and landslides that can result in serious car accidents.’

‘I strongly advise everyone to take note of the Floodline contact details where up-to-date information can be accessed 24hrs a day.’

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Notes

Floodline 24 hr contact number 0845 988 1188.
More information can also be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood