Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the level of demand is for refuge spaces in England; and how many refuge spaces there are.

MHCLG does not centrally hold this data

The Government have introduced a new statutory duty on local authorities within the Domestic Abuse Act to ensure that all victims, including children, have access to safety and support within safe accommodation when they need it.

Since 2014 we have invested £205 million in support within domestic abuse safe accommodation services – including £125 million for the new local authority duty in 2021/22.

We continue to work closely with local authorities and the sector to ensure appropriate provision is in place.