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This represents a new phase of the cross government public service reform programme, led by MHCLG, that improves outcomes for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. Please see below a quote from the Homelessness Minister and Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending on the announcement, in addition to background briefing detailing the programme further.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said:
“Far too many people that are already struggling with homelessness, mental ill health, substance misuse or domestic abuse are being passed through fragmented services and not given the support that they deserve.
“We are investing over £55 million in this new phase of Changing Futures to put a stop to this - bringing support together across 18 areas to make sure that it is joined‑up and delivered at the right time. Changing Futures isn’t just another programme, it’s a smarter, more collaborative way of working that puts people first.”
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord James Timpson said:
"We know that a lack of stable housing, employment and support for addiction are all key drivers of crime - and too often it is offenders who face all these disadvantages at once, leaving them trapped in cycles of crisis and offending.
"This investment is crucial to cutting crime in our communities and delivering punishment that works. By tackling the root causes of offending and giving people the second chance they need, we can help them rebuild their lives and stay on the straight and narrow."
Background briefing:
- The government is investing £55.8m in a new 3-year phase of the Changing Futures programme to join-up services and improve support for people experiencing multiple disadvantage.
- Multiple disadvantage – defined as combinations of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health, domestic abuse and contact with the criminal justice system - has a devastating impact on those affected, their families and communities. People in these circumstances are highly vulnerable, and their life expectancy is significantly lower than the average.
- Adults experiencing multiple disadvantage have complex, interconnected issues and unmet needs that cannot be addressed by any one service alone. They cost the state five times more per head than other citizens, but receive fragmented, crisis-driven support that fails to address their underlying issues.
- This new phase of Changing Futures will target 18 of the most deprived areas in England (see list at end), bringing together local partnerships across heath, social care, substance misuse, housing, police, criminal justice and voluntary sectors to help people with the most complex problems regain control over their lives with the right support at the right time.
- Local partners will work to transform the way their public service systems support people experiencing multiple disadvantage through intensive casework, peer support, and by joining up services, data and funding across partners. They will test new ways to deliver better outcomes for people and reduce demand and costs on under-pressure crisis and response services – like A&E, police, adult safeguarding and homelessness.
- The programme builds on learning from the first phase of the Changing Futures programme, running to March 2026. It will link closely with the Government’s wider commitment to public service reform and represents a new phase of the Government’s learning and commitment on multiple disadvantage.
- Starting in April 2026, phase two of the Changing Futures programme targets the following areas:
Blackpool
Middlesbrough
Manchester*
Birmingham**
Hartlepool
Kingston upon Hull
Liverpool
Blackburn w Darwen
Oldham*
Bradford
Knowsley
Leicester
Rochdale*
Sandwell**
Nottingham
Stoke-on-Trent
Sunderland
Wolverhampton**
Greater Manchester Combined Authority* and West Midlands Combined Authority** will receive combined funding for the target councils within their geography, in line with local agreement to develop a collaborative approach in the combined authority area.