DCLG consults on councils treating domestic abuse victims as priority for social housing

The Government has launched a consultation on proposals for new statutory guidance that would see local authorities treat victims of domestic abuse as a priority for social housing.

The guidance would also make it clear that those victims who have fled to refuges in other parts of the country should not be disadvantaged in accessing social housing.

The Department for Communities added that councils would be “encouraged to use their existing powers to help victims of domestic abuse to remain safely in their own home without their abuser, if they wish to”.

Communities Minister Lord Bourne said: “Domestic abuse is a devastating crime with complex challenges that extend far beyond the boundaries of local authorities.

“That’s why we’re committed to providing local authorities with the robust guidance they need to improve victims’ access to long-term and secure housing they need to rebuild their lives.”

The Government also plans shortly to introduce a Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill “to protect and support victims, recognise the life-long impact domestic abuse has on children and make sure agencies effectively respond to domestic abuse”.

The consultation, which can be viewed here, runs until 5 January 2018.