This afternoon (10 December 2020) the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published the prospectus for the cross-government Changing Futures programme.
This £46m programme is focused on improving the way that local systems and services work for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage and using learning from this to influence future government programmes and policy.
Changing Futures is seeking Expressions of Interest from local partnerships wishing to join the programme, with funding of between £1.5m and £4.5m per area available over the next two years.
Applications will be led by local authorities, but will require cross-sector partnerships.
Commenting on the launch, Oliver Hilbery, director of the MEAM coalition said:
“We welcome the launch of this landmark programme and the cross-government commitment that has made it possible.
People facing multiple disadvantage experience a combination of problems at the same time, often compounded by a system of services which struggle to respond to their needs.
We are delighted that this programme will focus on improving systems as well as services, allowing partnerships to address the barriers that prevent people getting the support they need. In taking this approach the programme is learning from and building on the fantastic work of MEAM Approach and Fulfilling Lives areas across the country. It will improve people’s lives and help inform future government policy and programmes.
We look forward to working with local areas and the government as Changing Futures takes shape.”
The prospectus for the programme can be downloaded here and the deadline for EOIs is 21 January 2021. The MHCLG will hold two webinars regarding the programme on 16 December and 6 January.