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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of hostel provision for women who have experienced domestic violence.

It is absolutely critical that victims of domestic abuse get support and especially when they are in housing need.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, placed new duties on local authorities to ensure that victims and their children across England can access the right support in safe accommodation when they need it. This includes supporting victims in Sanctuary Schemes which provide enhanced physical security measures to a domestic abuse victim's own home where it is safe for them to stay at home.

For those who are homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse, local authorities must ensure that temporary accommodation is suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Consideration of whether accommodation is suitable will require an assessment of all aspects of the accommodation in the light of the relevant needs, requirements and circumstances of the homeless person and their household.

In December 2021, we announced that for 2022/2023, local authorities have been allocated £316 million Homelessness Prevention Grant. This includes £5.8 million funding to cover the cost of extending priority need to those who are made homeless as a result of being victim to domestic abuse, following the landmark Domestic Abuse Act 2021.