Councils struggling to house domestic abuse victims amid funding crisis

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 18:31 · Archive

Councils in England receive more than one request daily from people fleeing domestic abuse but lack sufficient safe accommodation.

The Local Government Association has warned that English councils are each receiving more than one request a day on average for help from those fleeing domestic abuse, with a survey of 49 councils finding they received 410 presentations for safe accommodation in 2025/6 but made only 298 placements on average. The Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) said the need for homes for victims was greater than their availability, creating hidden homelessness among those who need help. IDAS provided emergency accommodation to 134 adults and 94 children across York and North Yorkshire last year.

Financial pressures are a significant barrier to support. Three-quarters of councils, 73 per cent, told the LGA that financial difficulties were hampering their ability to provide safe accommodation. More than three-quarters, 78 per cent, said providing accommodation for people with specific needs was a barrier to housing victims. The LGA survey also found 69 per cent of councils reported wider shortages in safe accommodation.

Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, City of York Council's Labour health spokesperson, said they were working to find affected individuals safe and secure accommodation. A Government spokesperson said they were providing councils with almost £500 million to help support domestic abuse victims and survivors.

How it is being reported

• Warning over victims fleeing domestic abuse as North Yorkshire group speaks outThere is a huge amount of work being done to get people fleeing domestic abuse into safe accommodation, a group has said after a national warning.York Press · 9 Oct, 18:00
• Warning over victims fleeing domestic abuse as North Yorkshire group speaks outThere is a huge amount of work being done to get people fleeing domestic abuse into safe accommodation, a group has said after a national warning.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 9 Oct, 18:00

In this story: Local Government Association · Independent Domestic Abuse Service · City of York Council · North Yorkshire · Lucy Steels-Walshaw

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