The funding is to develop a social impact bond taking a new approach to supporting children in need by delegating social care functions to VCSE groups. It will be initially launched in Crewe, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Greater Manchester with the aim of scaling up. It will be commissioned by Cheshire West and Cheshire Council with Halton Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority as co-commissioners. The grant will fund financial modelling, commissioner engagement and technical support.