Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the review, consultation and engagement by the council of the domestic abuse safe accommodation service, and the new Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2025/28.

The committee considered a report which provided an update following the review, consultation and engagement of the domestic abuse safe accommodation service, and the new Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2025/28.

The committee were provided with an oversight of the proposed service model and authorisation was sought to follow a competitive tender process and award the successful provider the joint service contract from 1 April 2026.

The committee asked questions and made comments in respect of:

- The need to ensure that there was appropriate support for individuals in communal refuges

- Budget and bed capacity - whether the increased budget of £1.74m was sufficient following previous failures due to lack of funding, and concerns around the reduction in specialist beds from the recommended 41 to 27 by the Council of Europe.

- Whether there was sufficient capacity for victims who must be placed outside their local area for safety reasons

- The absence of 4+ bedroom properties listed in the report.

- Whether communal refuge facilities were being explored and what the outcomes were?

- Concerns about whether accommodation reflected real-life scenarios (e.g., staying with friends first).

In response officers stated that;

-       The commissioning process included strict specifications aligned with Women’s Aid guidance. Providers must demonstrate trauma-informed practices and provide separate support for children and parents.

-       A rapid review was commissioned over the summer, the 27 beds were specifically for crisis situations and there was a Sanctuary Scheme aimed to enhance home security, reducing the need for relocation of the victim.

-       There were ongoing discussions with providers to procure dispersed accommodation.

-       Properties with up to 4 bedrooms were being considered, and larger properties were not excluded.

-       Emphasis was on the need for wide-ranging provision to ensure accessibility and a blended approach was preferred to maintain emergency capacity.

Officers agreed to take away the suggestion in respect of asking victims about their initial steps when reporting, to improve data collection.

In response to a question raised about the success of the council receiving the Platinum Accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) award and how it aligned with previous procurement challenges it was noted that the Whole Housing Approach work began prior to the formal start of the 2-year project.

Members noted that there was scope to increase the number of beds beyond the provision of 27 but had concerns around the significant budget implications this would have and additionally spot purchasing beds outside the area would likely be more expensive so how would those additional costs be managed if capacity were increased.

Officers explained that they would work with colleagues in Strategic Housing to look at ways both the housing budget and Domestic Abuse funding could be used most effectively to meet the needs of victims of abuse, in line with the Single Allocation Policy, and in a way which maximised both the Council’s core funding and any external grants that could support this work.

The committee expressed appreciation for the improved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22