Overview

This bill mandates that English local housing authorities grant secure, long-term tenancies to victims of domestic abuse who need to relocate for safety reasons. This ensures they have stable housing following such circumstances.

Description

The Secure Tenancies (Victims of Domestic Abuse) Bill amends the Housing Act 1985. It creates a legal obligation for local housing authorities in England to offer "old-style secure tenancies" to individuals fleeing domestic abuse. This applies if the new tenancy is sought due to the abuse. The definition of domestic abuse is broad, encompassing violence, threats, coercive or controlling behavior, and other forms of abuse (emotional, financial, physical, psychological, or sexual). The abuse must be from someone in the victim's family or household, or from someone with whom the victim has had an intimate relationship. The bill covers situations where victims are seeking a new tenancy or are already joint tenants on an existing tenancy and need to escape the abusive situation. The bill applies to England only and allows the Secretary of State to set the commencement date.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the financial impact on government spending. However, providing more secure tenancies could lead to increased costs for local authorities in acquiring and managing housing stock. The exact increase is unknown.

Groups Affected

• Victims of domestic abuse in England: This bill directly benefits them by providing a legal right to secure housing, enhancing safety and stability.
• Local housing authorities in England: They will have a new legal duty to provide these tenancies, potentially increasing their workload and housing costs.
• Domestic abuse perpetrators: The bill indirectly affects them by potentially making it harder for them to maintain control over victims.

Powered by nyModel