Domestic Abuse Commissioner warns of funding threat to lifesaving services

By Aine Fox, Reporter27th February 2024News EnglandBusiness / Funding / Finance, Domestic Abuse / Violence, Government / Politics, Local Authorities, News England, Victim Support

Lifesaving services for domestic abuse survivors are at risk of disappearing amid a funding crisis, the Government is being warned.

Nicole Jacobs (pictured), the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, has called for a legal duty to be included in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to fund such services in order to protect them “for generations to come”.

She has written to Michael Gove, Secretary State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to raise concern that councils not being legally obliged to fund services poses a danger that those under financial pressures end up cutting them.

The commissioner said eight councils had issued a Section 114 notice – effectively declaring them bankrupt – since 2018, and that four in 10 councils are at risk of going bust in the next five years.

Ms Jacobs said: “For too long, domestic abuse services have been hanging by a thread and piecing funding together just to keep their doors open.

“We are standing on the edge of a precipice. If urgent action is not taken, lifesaving services will disappear, risking the safety of thousands of victims and survivors. I fear for the adult and child victims and survivors who will be placed at greater risk of serious harm and homicide as a result.

“I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities calling for decisive action. If councils are not legally obliged to fund a service, then those services face a greater risk of closure.

“We have an opportunity now to change that and protect services for generations to come. That’s why I’m calling for a legal duty in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to fund domestic abuse services so that victims and survivors don’t pay the price when councils face financial pressures.”

The Local Government Association said “ongoing funding pressures and competing demands are making it increasingly difficult for councils to ensure that victims have access to all the help they need”.

Heather Kidd, chair of the LGA’s safer, stronger communities board, said: “Only with long-term, reliable funding, can councils help safeguard individuals and families from the physical and psychological harm caused by domestic abuse.

“Investment in the prevention and early intervention measures are needed to tackle the root causes, support more victims, and stop domestic abuse occurring in the first place.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Domestic abuse is a heinous crime and that is why we are providing victims and survivors with the support they need.

“Our Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan is investing over £230 million to drive down the prevalence of domestic abuse, and since 2021 we have committed £507 million to help councils provide support within safe accommodation to victims and their children.

“We recognise councils are facing challenges and that is why we announced an additional £600 million support package for councils across England, increasing their overall funding for the upcoming financial year to £64.7 billion – a 7.5% increase in cash terms.”