The government has released data on the estimated cost savings generated from social impact bonds in 600 different types of interventions, to help charities design their own social impact bonds.

The data, in the form of a spreadsheet, displays an estimated unit cost saving for 600 interventions in five areas – education and skills; employment; health; crime and housing and social services.

A government spokesman said the costs can be used by local commissioners, charities and social enterprises to design social impact bond proposals for new interventions or the redesign of existing public services; and create feasibility studies and evaluations.

He did note, however, that most of the unit cost estimates are based on national research and may not correspond exactly to local costs.