Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to make an assessment of the provision of homeless accommodation specifically designed for women experiencing multi-disadvantages such as domestic violence and mental illness.

We recognise that the needs of female rough sleepers can be different from male rough sleepers, and that many have complex needs arising from long-term trauma or abuse, including domestic violence. We are fully committed to ensuring that no victim of domestic abuse is turned away from the support they need. This commitment was made clear in the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (VAWG), published on 8 March 2016.

The Government’s VAWG strategy will set in motion a transformation of existing support for victims and their families through a landmark Domestic Abuse Bill. The Bill will recognise the life-long impact domestic abuse has on women and children and make sure agencies effectively respond to domestic abuse. We are determined to use this opportunity to build momentum and drive further reform in a way that will make a real and lasting difference to victims.

We expect local authorities to commission services to meet the needs of all those in their local areas. Many commission female-only homelessness projects, which offer women the essential facilities and support needed to stop being homeless, in a safe space. For example, Westminster Council commissions the Marylebone Project, which provides female-only shelter, emotional support and educational opportunities.

Central government is taking action through our Homelessness Prevention Programme that will provide end-to-end support for people who face a homelessness crisis. This is supporting 84 projects, involving 205 district and unitary authorities. A number of successful bids are targeting female rough sleepers in their area.