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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to prevent the closure of domestic violence refuges.

Domestic abuse is a life shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime. Tackling it is a key priority for this government.

We have invested £33.5 million since 2014 in safe accommodation, including refuge, and services that support victims of domestic abuse. 80 projects across the country are receiving part of our 2016/18 £20 million fund for safe accommodation and local service reform, which will create more than 2,200 bed spaces and support over 19,000 victims.

We set out our expectations of local areas in supporting victims of domestic abuse in our Priorities for Domestic Abuse services, published in November 2016. We are also undertaking a thorough review of funding for refuge in England, including the critical care and support costs, and will conclude by Summer 2018. The review will be informed by an audit of all local authority commissioned domestic abuse services, to report in spring.

We are exploring all options for future delivery of domestic abuse services in England, including a national model for refuges. We are committed to working closely with sector partners, drawing on their expertise and knowledge, as we undertake our review.