To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure a sustainable funding strategy for the specialist violence against women voluntary sector. (282793)

In general, funding decisions for local services are determined by local commissioners based on local areas identifying needs. These are then included in their priorities for improvement with outcomes specifying how the issues will be addressed and how they contribute to wider national aims. Addressing domestic and sexual violence will be a key priority in helping local partnerships to deliver fully on the public service agreement requirements.

The consultation ‘Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls’ closed on 29 May, 2009. A key theme for consultation was the promotion of better consistency and quality of provision of services for victims of violence against women and girls. This work will be taken forward during development of a cross-Government strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps (a) the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, (b) the Department for Children, Schools and Families, (c) the Department for Communities and Local Government and (d) HM Treasury will take to contribute to his Department's cross-government strategy to end violence against women and girls following the end of the consultation on the strategy. (283601)

[holding answer 2 July 2009]: The Home Secretary has had regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues about Government action on violence against women and girls and has written to the Ministerial Committee on Domestic Affairs twice regarding the cross-Government consultation on ending violence against women and girls.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has established an advisory group which has a specific focus on the role of schools in preventing violence against women and girls.

A cross-Government strategy to address violence against women and girls will be launched by the end of 2009.