£830,000 for Wiltshire Council to support domestic abuse victims
The money's come from the Government's Levelling Up fund
£125 million is being given to local authorities across England towards services helping domestic abuse victims to rebuild their lives safely.
Among the grants is cash for our local councils including:
- £832,348 for Wiltshire Council
- £2,306,590 for Hampshire County Council
- £33,262 for New Forest District Council
- £33,324 for Test Valley Borough Council
The money can be used for things like secure accommodation like refuges or shelters, support services like social workers, or drug and alcohol advice for people who might be fleeing their homes.
The Government's given the cash to local authorities so they can decide where it could best be spent for the issues affecting their areas.
Safeguarding Minister, Rachel Maclean said:
“Home is not the safe place it should be for domestic abuse victims and their families. The extra support provided today will provide a vital lifeline for victims as they try and rebuild their lives positively while feeling supported and protected.
“These are important changes that sit alongside the new measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which will give victims of domestic abuse longer to report offences to the police, so that abusers do not evade justice.”
CONSULTATION LAUNCHED
The Government also wants to look at altering housing laws to give domestic abuse victims more choice into where they live after escaping their situations, or to help them stay in their own homes safely if they want to.
They're considering removing Local Connection Tests for abuse victims, which can stop victims from applying for social housing if they do not have a connection to an area.
There are concerns that could mean victims are then forced to live in the same communities as their abuser and are denied a fresh start.
There's also a consultation into current rules that make it difficult for victims to remove their perpetrators from joint tenancies, which can mean people feel forced to stay in their home or are at risk of being made homeless by their abuser.
Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales said:
“For victims and survivors of domestic abuse, home is often the most dangerous place. I welcome the confirmation of £125 million to enable local authorities in England to meet their duties to provide support in safe accommodation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The right support in a safe environment is integral to rebuilding your life after fleeing domestic abuse and this duty will be transformative in tackling the postcode lottery of accommodation-based support for victims and survivors.
“I am also pleased that the Department is opening consultations on the Impacts of Joint Tenancies on Victims of Domestic Abuse and on Local Connection requirements for Social Housing for Victims of Domestic Abuse. It is vital that victims and survivors can access safe housing regardless of their tenure type. That means staying safely in their own home if they want to, as well as being able to access housing in a new area if they are no longer safe where they live.
“I look forward to seeing the outcome of these consultations and welcome the steps the Department is taking to ensure victims and survivors can access the housing they need after being subject to domestic abuse.”