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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what conversations he has had with the Minister for Women and Equalities regarding improving local safety for women and girls, especially at night.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal discussions are not normally disclosed.

Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls was published by the Home Office on 18 December 2025 and sets out the strategic direction and concrete actions to prevent violence and abuse, pursue perpetrators, and support victims, and to deliver our commitment to halve VAWG in a decade.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, the Government consulted on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These proposals are intended to support the creation of places that are safe and inclusive for everyone, including women and girls. The draft NPPF includes updated policy on key principles for well-designed places, which makes clear that development proposals should include public spaces that are safe, secure, inclusive and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The Government is currently analysing the feedback received in response to the NPPF consultation and will publish a response in due course.

The majority of funding in the Local Government Finance Settlement is unringfenced recognising that local leaders are best placed to identify local priorities.