A renewed call has been made in Parliament for a strengthened statutory obligation on local councils to provide appropriate housing to victims of domestic abuse, amid concerns that many are being left in unsafe or untenable living situations.
Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford, Zoe Franklin, has urged the Government to take urgent steps to address what she described as a “significant barrier” to safety for abuse survivors. Ms Franklin highlighted that current legislation does not require councils to offer “like-for-like” housing, meaning many victims face the prospect of moving into unsuitable or unaffordable private rented accommodation.
Raising the issue during a Commons session on housing, communities and local government, Ms Franklin said:
“Victims of domestic violence urgently need safe, stable accommodation. However, currently councils have no obligation to offer like-for-like housing. Too often, the duty is discharged by suggesting private rentals, which are frequently unaffordable or unsuitable for those on low incomes.
“This creates a significant barrier for many victims, and even places them in a situation where they choose not to leave because they can’t have the housing that they need.”
Ms Franklin went on to ask Communities Minister Rushanara Ali whether she would consider strengthening the statutory duty on councils to ensure genuinely safe, appropriate, and affordable housing is made available for victims.
In response, Ms Ali acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, citing the wider pressures within the housing sector, but reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting victims.
“She will be aware that there is a massive housing shortage, there are challenges around supported housing,” said Ms Ali. “We need to make sure – as we are doing – that the victims of domestic violence get the support they need, which is why we provided the additional uplift of £30 million, totalling to a £160 million.”
Ms Ali further noted that the Government is working cross-departmentally to address the root causes of violence against women and girls, with housing and economic support identified as key elements.
The issue was further underscored by Labour MP Lee Barron, who shared the case of a constituent in Corby and East Northamptonshire who found herself in an agonising position.
“One of my constituents is a victim of domestic abuse and on a 999 priority list,” Mr Barron explained. “She was served a Section 21 notice by her landlord but was denied property Band A housing by the council. This was because she signed a police protection order stating she was not at risk of domestic violence in order to keep custody of her children.
“This forced her to choose between her children and a safe home. What is the minister doing to ensure councils properly prioritise domestic abuse victims, so that no-one faces such an impossible choice?”
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Minister Ali expressed sympathy and acknowledged the distressing nature of the case:
“This is horrific, and he will be aware the Government is focused on tackling violence against women, working across departments … led by the Home Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister.”
She emphasised that local authorities are already being strongly encouraged, through statutory guidance, to prioritise victims of domestic abuse for social housing — particularly when they are homeless and urgently in need of accommodation.
Ms Ali also pointed to measures being introduced to remove local connection tests for abuse survivors, which can often present further barriers to accessing social housing in areas where they feel safe.
The debate has reignited long-standing concerns among campaigners, charities, and survivors who argue that a lack of safe housing remains one of the principal reasons many victims feel trapped in abusive relationships. Advocates continue to urge the Government to enshrine stronger protections in law to ensure housing is a right, not a hurdle, for those fleeing domestic abuse.
