Future Saver for Children bank account - who owns the money?

One of our clients has been paying their tax credits into a HSBC Future Saver for Children account.  The bank statement gives the account name as Mr X (dad) for Miss Y (daughter).  There is over £16000 in the account. 

Does the money count as capital for the dad or the daughter.  Daughter is now 18.  Dad is adamant that the money should belong to her.

I think you’ll have to look at the terms of the account. As the parent appears to have instant access to the account and could therefore withdraw money for their own use I suspect they are the beneficial owner even though it’s intended as a pot for the child.