Labour proposes legislation to deliver a dedicated fast-tracked
fund for domestic abuse services impacted by coronavirus crisis
The government urgently needs to put in place a dedicated
fund, as part of the £750 million promised to charities, Labour
says.
, Shadow Home Secretary,
has set out plans to place amendments as part of the upcoming
Domestic Abuse Bill, to force the government to take overdue
action to provide urgent, emergency funding to domestic abuse
charities. This comes as the National Domestic Abuse
helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls and the Met Police have
seen domestic abuse calls rise by around a
third.
Labour has outlined a set of proposal that would
ensure:
- A dedicated
proportion of 10 per cent (£75m) of the £750m charity
support announced by the Chancellor would be ring-fenced for
domestic abuse charities,
- A system
is put in place to fast track investment to the frontline, before
charities have to close their door due to being oversubscribed or
unable to pay their staff.
- An element
of this support is earmarked for specialist services, such as men
who are at risk of domestic abuse and specialist LGBTQ
services.
Commenting, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Shadow Home
Secretary, said:
“It is clear that domestic abuse is increasing rapidly
during the lockdown and we need the government to act urgently to
support front line services.
“Our society must not turn its back on some of the most at
risk people in this crisis, too much time has already been lost
and action is needed now. Labour’s plan would
deliver £75m to the frontline rapidly, to help keep women
and children safe from abuse.
“Labour will act as a responsible opposition, but the
government have to move faster to get funding and support to the
frontline, before vital services are forced to turn people
away. That is why we are proposing that if no action is
forthcoming, we will try to change the law, to guarantee
fast-tracked funding to frontline, to support domestic abuse
charities.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. The
Home Affairs Select Committee, published its report today (27
April) outlining several recommendations, including specifically
that “the Government should provide an emergency funding package
ring-fenced within the promised £750m fund for charities that
recognises the needs of, and is accessible to, both generic
providers and small, specialist, targeted
services.” https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/83/home-affairs-committee/publications/reports/
2. The
Domestic Abuse Bill will have its second reading in the House of
Commons tomorrow afternoon (28 April).
