Mini contributions

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated: 19:00 EST, 27 June 2000

I took out a mini unit trust Isa with monthly contributions two years ago. Now I want to take advantage of my allowance and invest £3,000 in a mini cash ISA. Can I also use my allowance from last year with another provider? G, Nottingham.

Kim North from independent financial adviser Pretty Financial says: Sorry, no. Once the end of a tax year has passed that year's Isa allowances are gone forever. But this tax year (2000-2001), the maximum Isa allowances are £3,000 in a mini stocks and shares Isa and £3,000 in a cash Isa so if your mini equities Isa contribution this year is not set to exceed £3,000 you do not have a problem - and you can invest £3,000 in a cash Isa too.