Top-ups on trust

In response to your report regarding the Scottish Government's Child Trust Fund scheme (8 July) we accept that these top-up payments should have been paid and apologise to those affected for any inconvenience caused.

Midlothian Council has always intended to pass on these top-up payments to the children and would never set out to profit at their expense.

We will ensure that all these children receive what is owed to them. We will pass on the top-ups and any interest that has been accrued as soon as possible. All payments will be backdated to April 2008.

Ninety-five children looked after by the council are due top-up payments. It is anticipated all top-up payments will have been passed on by 13 August 2010.

We are reviewing our procedures to ensure this situation does not occur again.

DONALD MacKAY

Education and Children's Services

Midlothian Council