MP wants better start for children (From Warrington Guardian)

MP wants better start for children

TATTON MP George Osborne is helping to shape legislation that will give every child in Britain a better start in life.

The 32-year-old father-of-two is working with Labour ministers two days a week to set up the Child Trust Fund.

Chancellor Gordon Brown wants every child born after September 2002 to receive at least £250.

Babies of poorer parents - those earning less than £13,000 a year - will receive £500.

Cash will be paid into a trust fund that the child can claim at 18.

"They are hoping at 18 the money will be used for something constructive and not to buy a few rounds at the pub," said Mr Osborne, who persuaded Shadow Chancellor Oliver Letwin and party leader Michael Howard not to oppose Labour's Baby Bonds.

"It is very important that the Conservative Party understands the pressures on low income families to give all people a bit of a start in life."

Mr Osborne, who was due to make his first appearance on BBC's Question Time tomorrow (Thursday), hopes to improve the parliamentary bill.

He wants children born before September 2002 to be given a special account that their parents can invest in although the Government would not make their initial payment.

Mr Osborne also wants payments to be made into trusts for children in care.

"Hopefully the Government will accept what I have suggested," he said.