£125 million for councils to support domestic abuse victims

The government has said that £125 million will be handed to councils across England to make sure safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with vital support services.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said that the funding will be issued as an un-ringfenced grant to local councils who will then be responsible for making decisions on how the funding is spent to benefit those in need.

Interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support and other specialist services will also be funded and made available so that anyone who flees their home gets the help they need.

Ministers are also set to consult on current housing rules, with the aim of giving victims more choice on where they rebuild their lives. By looking at the rules on joint tenancies and the Local Connections Test, the government intends to make it easier for them to either move away from their abusers and start their lives afresh, or help them to stay in their own homes if that is safe and they choose to do so.

Eddie Hughes, Rough Sleeping Minister, said: “This funding will give victims of domestic abuse and their children across the country the practical and emotional support to recover and rebuild their lives from this terrible crime. Through the landmark Domestic Abuse Act, the government has transformed the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending and make sure victims are protected and supported. The consultations we are launching today build on this work and will help us give victims more options to move forward with their lives in the way that is right for them.”