HM Treasury launches £500m Better Futures Fund for vulnerable children
HM Treasury has announced the launch of the Better Futures Fund, a £500m initiative to support up to 200,000 vulnerable children and young people across the UK over the next ten years. The fund aims to improve educational outcomes, reduce reoffending, and provide targeted support for children facing challenges such as exclusion, mental health issues, and crime. It forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which prioritises early intervention and cross-sector collaboration to address systemic barriers. The fund will be matched by an additional £500m from local authorities, social investors, and philanthropists, creating a £1bn investment in long-term social impact. It will operate through Social Outcomes Partnerships, building on existing models such as the Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership and programmes like AllChild and the Skill Mill, which have demonstrated success in improving school attendance, emotional wellbeing, and reducing reconviction rates.