The government has launched a consultation on introducing a statutory duty for local authorities to provide support to victims of domestic abuse.
Under the proposals, lead authorities will each convene a multi-agency local domestic abuse partnership board, with functions dictated by statutory guidance from central government.
The boards would assess the need and demand for accommodation, develop strategies for support provision and make commissioning decisions.
Speaking to the BBC this week, communities secretary James Brokenshire said the amount of money available to support councils in the new duty would be decided as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.
Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “We look forward to working with government and our member councils during the consultation to ensure there is adequate resources and funding in place in the areas which need it.”
