Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when her Department plans to publish eligibility criteria and target outcomes for the first phase of the Better Futures Fund so that local authorities can begin preparing applications in good time.

DCMS is currently in the design stages of the Better Futures Fund and is currently in dialogue with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to assess their capacity for participation in delivery. DCMS intends to launch a dedicated capacity and capability building programme in the autumn this year, that will include ongoing support and information for regional and local commissioners.

DCMS intends to publish eligibility criteria alongside an invitation to bidders in Summer 2026. This will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. The bidding will target projects and commissioners that are able to launch quickly, with a commensurate application process.

Round 1 bids will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. DCMS will ensure that appropriate information sharing and engagement is included in the application process, but anticipates working with commissioners with good foreknowledge of social outcomes partnerships.