Today, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick MP, has announced that survivors of domestic abuse will be given priority need status, meaning they will be guaranteed a safe and settled home from their local council should they become homeless.  

Speaking at the daily press conference, he said: “I can confirm that through the Domestic Abuse Bill the government will also be ensuring that the victims of domestic violence get the priority need status that they need to access local housing services much more easily.

“This is a fully funded commitment, which will mean that no victim of domestic violence has to make the unbearable choice between staying somewhere that they know is unsafe or becoming homeless.”

Responding to the announcement Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis said: “We strongly commend the government for making this lifesaving change to the Domestic Abuse Bill, which will ensure survivors have somewhere safe to call home.

“We see every day the devastating affect it has when people fleeing domestic abuse have nowhere safe to go, so we know this measure will be hugely transformative.

“This is a landmark moment for survivors and the government must be congratulated for ensuring they will now have somewhere safe and stable to rebuild their lives. We look forward to working together as this legislation makes its way through parliament.”