A HUGE tranche of funding which has been labelled as the largest of its kind in the world has been backed by a Barnsley MP.

The Better Futures Fund is backed by over £500m, with the potential for an additional £500m to be raised through involvement with local government, charities, social enterprises, investors and philanthropists.

It will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years to provide children across England with a brighter future and has received the backing of Marie Tidball.

The fund could be used to provide support to schools to boost attendance, behaviour, and overall achievement, setting children up for the best start in life

Marie, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “By investing in early support to tackle challenges like school absence, addiction and re-offending, the fund will help give children the stability and opportunity they need to thrive.

“Labour is serious about giving children the best start to life it’s something that we can only do by working together.

“I’m excited to see the impacts of the fund shine through in our communities in Penistone and Stocksbridge.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, added: “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”