Overview

This bill mandates the provision of women's refuges in the UK, setting minimum standards, funding requirements, and eligibility criteria. It aims to ensure all women and children needing protection from domestic violence have access to safe refuge, regardless of their location.

Description

This bill aims to improve the provision of domestic violence refuge services across the UK. Key aspects include:

• Mandatory Provision: Local authorities must provide domestic violence refuge services to women and children assessed as needing them by specialist organizations.
• National Standards and Funding: The Secretary of State will monitor refuges, set funding levels for each local authority, create a sustainable funding model, and establish quality assurance regulations.
• Eligibility: Access to refuge accommodation will be based on need and availability, not the applicant's residential location. Women won't be limited to refuges in their local authority area.
• Guidance: The Secretary of State will publish guidance on commissioning domestic violence refuge services.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending. The exact figures are not specified in the bill text, but it will cover expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the act, as well as any resulting increase in sums payable under other relevant acts.

Groups Affected

This bill will primarily affect:

• Women and children experiencing domestic violence: They will benefit from potentially improved access to safe refuge and support.
• Local authorities: They will be responsible for providing the services and will require increased funding.
• Specialist domestic violence organizations: They will play a key role in assessing need and potentially in service delivery.
• The government: Responsible for setting standards, funding, and publishing guidance.

Powered by nyModel