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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that domestic abuse in social housing is not recorded as anti-social behaviour.

The government expects social landlords to recognise and respond appropriately to domestic abuse, rather than treat it as anti-social behaviour.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides a clear statutory definition of domestic abuse distinguishing it from anti-social behaviour, encompassing physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse and psychological, emotional or other abuse, where the individuals concerned are personally connected. Supporting statutory guidance helps housing providers identify and respond to abuse.

The Regulator of Social Housing’s Neighbourhood and Community Standard further sets out separate requirements for dealing with domestic abuse and supporting victims and to deter and tackle anti-social behaviour and outlines that registered providers must work co-operatively with other agencies and enable tenants to access appropriate support and advice.