To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the likely requirement for women’s refuge provision and related support services over the next five years; and if she will make a statement. (112609)

Each local authority is responsible for assessing the need for housing support services, including women’s refuges within their own area, as part of setting their five year strategies for the Supporting People programme. Each year, about £59 million from the Supporting People programme is invested in services for vulnerable people affected by domestic violence. Additionally the Housing Corporation invests in schemes to provide housing for vulnerable people, which meets needs identified in regional and local housing strategies.

Through capital investment of more than £30 million over three years we have increased the provision of emergency accommodation for people fleeing domestic violence, in England, by 511 bed spaces. Decisions around the provision of emergency refuge accommodation rest with each local authority and this should be based on local needs and priorities.

We and the Local Government Association have published joint guidance on ‘Options for Setting up a sanctuary Scheme’ which shows local authorities how to set up effective sanctuaries for victims of domestic violence. The scheme allows the victim (and their children) to remain in their own accommodation, where it is their choice and where it is safe for them to do so.