"For too long, these children have been overlooked."
A new £500 million government fund has been launched to help vulnerable children and struggling families get a better start in life.
Announced today on July 14, the Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next decade.
It aims to tackle issues such as school absence, addiction and youth crime through early intervention and long-term support.
The fund will bring together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises, philanthropists and impact investors.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is launching the initiative during a school visit in Wigan, hosted by the charity AllChild.
Reeves said: “I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges.
“This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance. For too long, these children have been overlooked.
“Our Plan for Change will break down barriers to opportunity and give them the best start in life.”
It comes ahead of the government’s Civil Society Summit, where ministers will outline plans to work with experts beyond Whitehall, based on fairness, collaboration and trust.
Funding will be directed towards:
- School support to improve attendance, behaviour and achievement
- Interventions to divert children away from crime
- Employment and skills training to secure long-term opportunities
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the fund reflects a new model of partnership across sectors.
She said: “This groundbreaking Better Futures Fund represents a major step in partnering with the impact economy, which has long played an important role in strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.
“As part of the Plan for Change, we’re bringing together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists to create a powerful alliance that will transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
“We owe them the best start in life. Together we will break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring those who need support most aren’t left behind and have the chance to reach their potential.”
The announcement builds on successful Social Outcomes Partnerships already operating in parts of the UK.
In Greater Manchester, one such partnership supports young adults at risk of homelessness.
The Skill Mill programme has reduced reoffending from 63% to 8%, with 75% of participants moving into further education, training or employment.
AllChild’s approach has halved persistent school absences, with 80% of children showing improved emotional wellbeing.
Its CEO, Louisa Mitchell MBE, welcomed the announcement:
“I warmly welcome the government’s Better Futures Fund as a pivotal step toward transforming how we support children and families across the country.
“It’s vital that children engage with the right support and opportunities, at the right time, in the right way.
“Holistic support that is rooted in each child’s local community, builds on their strengths, and places trust and relationships at the heart of delivery.
“I hope this fund will be a catalyst for a new way of working – one which prioritises prevention, shared accountability for locally identified outcomes, and genuine cross-sector partnerships.
“This is how we can ensure every child no matter where they live has the support and opportunities they need to flourish.”
Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs at The King’s Trust, added:
“At The King’s Trust, we know that timely support can change the course of a young person’s life. Potential is everywhere but opportunity is not.
“The Better Futures Fund is an investment in the potential of young people who are too often left behind.”
“We welcome this commitment to early intervention and collaboration with organisations like ours to tackle inequalities and help young people build brighter, more secure futures.
“By getting behind young people, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive and cohesive place.”
The initiative is informed by input from the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group, chaired by Dame Elizabeth Corley.
It is backed by organisations including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “Partnering with impact capital to tackle child poverty was a personal priority for me coming into government – which is why I set up the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group to advise on the development of this brilliant fund, which we’ve been delighted to support as a government.
“I’d like to thank Dame Elizabeth Corley for chairing the group and all the members for their hard work.”
Further details on how the £500 million will be distributed are expected in due course.
The fund will be delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and supports the government’s upcoming Child Poverty Strategy, due this autumn.
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