Councils to now give priority to finding accommodation
for victims who are homeless due to domestic abuse.
From today (5 July 2021) victims who are homeless due to domestic
abuse will be prioritised for accommodation from their council.
Under the government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Act
councils will have to find accommodation for people made homeless
through domestic abuse, helping to ensure victims do not remain
with their abuser for fear of not having a roof over their head.
Previously, victims had to be assessed as being ‘vulnerable’ as a
result of domestic abuse to be identified as having a priority
need.
Under the new legislation, domestic abuse will be a standalone
reason to qualify as needing this support.
This is one of the first of many measures to support victims and
their children included in the Domestic Abuse Act to come into
effect.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said:
Domestic abuse is a heinous crime and it is a tragedy that some
victims remain with their abusers for fear of not having a roof
over their head.
Today’s change will mean all councils must find accommodation
for victims who are homeless as a result of domestic abuse -
ensuring they have a safe space to rebuild their lives.
This is part of the government’s wide-ranging programme of
support for domestic abuse victims under the landmark Domestic
Abuse Act.
Councils have been allocated £1.5 million this year to meet the
changes – on top of £310 million that has been delivered through
the Homelessness Prevention Grant so that councils can support
those at risk of homelessness, including victims of domestic
abuse.
Under the Domestic Abuse Act, councils will also have a new duty
to help victims and their children access life-saving support in
safe accommodation – backed by £125 million funding for 2021/22.
Councils were provided with the funding in April so that they can
start to fulfil those functions ahead of this duty coming into
force later this year.
The government has taken action to help the most vulnerable in
society during the pandemic, with an unprecedented £76 million
pledged in May 2020 which ensured vital services including
refuges, helplines and counselling remained accessible.
