Domestic violence campaigners warn that Government could be about to 'dismantle' life-saving refuges

Domestic violence campaigners have warned that an overhaul of supported housing funding will “dismantle” life-saving refuges and undermine Theresa May’s pledge to do more to help women fleeing violent partners.

The Prime Minister recently announced a U-turn on controversial plans for all social housing tenants to have their housing benefit capped in line with the private rented sector, which would include thousands of vulnerable people living in supported accommodation.

Under the proposals, councils would take charge of ring-fenced funding for short-term and emergency accommodation such as refuges and homeless shelters, prompting concern over a "postcode lottery" of funding for vital services.

More than 1,000 women and children fleeing domestic violence have been turned away from shelters in the past six months, according to recent research which also found three quarters of councils in England have reduced the amount they spent on refuges since 2010.

Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said the move would "dismantle our national network of lifesaving refuges and put the lives of women and children trying to escape domestic abuse at risk" by creating insecurity over future funding.

She said: “If pursued, the reforms will result in a postcode lottery of domestic abuse support services with further refuges being forced to close their doors and more women and children being turned away from the lifesaving support they offer.

“Without a safe space to escape to, more women and children’s lives will be lost to domestic abuse.

“These proposed reforms completely undermine the Government’s promise to transform the national approach to tackling domestic abuse through their landmark Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which outlined that the state “will do everything it can to both support them and their children.”

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive for the National Council of YMCAs in England & Wales, said more young people would be pushed onto the streets by the plans, which proved "the Government simply doesn't get it".

She added: “The response to the supported housing consultation was a long time coming and can only be seen as a backward step. It is extremely disappointing that the Government has not taken on board some of the most crucial recommendations made by sector experts."

The Prime Minister took an interest in tackling domestic violence when she was Home Secretary and the Government has pledged around £100m to supporting victims over this Parliament.

Ministers are also planning to bring forward tougher sentences for those convicted of domestic violence against children and create a new domestic violence commissioner with the power to hold the police and the criminal justice system to account.

New details of the funding shakeup emerged on Tuesday, including plans to offer 'sheltered rent' for older and vulnerable people and give local authorities greater powers to commission services.

It followed Ms May's announcement at Prime Minister's Questions last week that the Local Housing Allowance cap, which is used in the private sector, would not apply to social housing tenants.

Charities previously warned that the proposed cap – due to be implemented in April 2019 – would have a particular impact on supported accommodation as uncertainty over future funding could deter housing associations from building housing for vulnerable people, who rely on the support to stay out of hospital or residential care.

David Orr, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation, welcomed the news, adding: “Today’s announcement, and the removal of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap, represent a very welcome and significant shift from the Government and show they recognise the value and importance of supported and sheltered housing.

“I am confident the new system outlined by the Government today addresses concerns about the long-term stability of funding for most schemes. This, coupled with assurances about levels of funding and a new timetable of 2020, will give housing associations the certainty they need to keep providing and building these homes."

A DCLG spokesperson said: “These proposals will give councils guaranteed funding which will help them drive up standards of accommodation for vulnerable people.

“We are committed to keeping this funding ring-fenced, so people in homeless accommodation and women’s refuge centres get the support they need.

“Government has been clear it is committed to working closely with the sector through our consultation and on-going work to review refuge provision, particularly the funding of care and support for victims of this devastating crime.”