Domestic violence victims to skip queue for long-term social housing
1 min read
Victims of domestic violence will be allowed to skip the queue for long-term social housing, under government plans.
Councils will be instructed to give victims priority even if they are new to the area, according to The Sun on Sunday.
The move, aimed at easing the pressure on women’s refuges, comes after the Government announced it will scrap controversial proposals to cap housing benefit for people living in supported accommodation.
Last year, the Prime Minister launched a £20m fund for specialist accommodation, creating 76 projects in England.
Earlier this year, Mrs May also said more needed to be done to tackle the “hidden scandal” of violence at home.
As part of a new Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which will be rolled out later this year, the Government is planning to introduce tougher penalties for domestic violence against children.
The proposed legislation would establish a new Domestic Violence Commissioner, who will act as an advocate for victims and hold the authorities dealing with the crime to account.
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