Struggling families in Solihull and across the West Midlands could benefit from a new £500 million government-backed fund to support vulnerable children, tackle school exclusion and reduce youth reoffending, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves today unveiled the “Better Futures Fund” — the largest social outcomes fund of its kind in the world.
Announced during a visit to a school in Wigan on Monday, the new ten-year fund aims to provide early intervention for up to 200,000 children and young people across the UK by bringing together government, local authorities, social investors and charities. The scheme is part of the government’s new “Plan for Change” agenda and is expected to draw in an additional £500 million in co-funding from philanthropy and the impact economy.
The fund could pay for programmes aimed at improving school attendance and behaviour, tackling the root causes of exclusion, or providing therapy and employment support for young people caught up in crime or mental health crises — issues that have hit Solihull particularly hard in recent years.
The borough has faced sharp criticism over its children’s services, particularly in relation to special educational needs (SEND) provision, long delays in support, and cases where children have missed out on education for extended periods — all areas the Better Futures Fund seeks to address.
‘Transformational potential for local children’
The new fund is expected to build on existing impact models like the Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership, which works with young people at risk of homelessness. In the West Midlands, charities and community organisations have long warned that more consistent funding is needed to address escalating crises among children and young people.
Although Solihull has not been named specifically in today’s announcement, the fund’s priorities align closely with the challenges families in the borough are facing — from SEND service failures to children developing serious mental health needs as a result of disrupted education and lack of specialist provision.
Backing and charity support
Launching the fund, Chancellor Rachel 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.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added:
“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 fund is being delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and is backed by leading organisations including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust, and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government. It will prioritise local collaboration and outcomes-based funding, with a focus on prevention and long-term impact.