Oral Answers to Questions

Marco Longhi Excerpts

Wednesday 6th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)]

What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the effect of the covid-19 lockdown on domestic abuse victims.

[Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con)]

What steps the Government have taken to help protect people living with abusive partners during the covid-19 lockdown.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Victoria Atkins) [V]]

We know that lockdown can cause particular pressures for people who are living in abusive households, which is why the Home Office has launched an awareness campaign and published specific guidance on gov.uk setting out the support services available to victims. To ensure that these vital services can continue to support victims during lockdown, we have provided an additional £2 million of funding to bolster specialist helplines and websites. That is in addition to—

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We have to go over to Marco Longhi.

[Marco Longhi [V]]

The Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District is a charity that provides support and housing to vulnerable people, including victims of domestic abuse. Does my hon. Friend agree that the recent announcement of £76 million to support such charities and the new priority need status allocated to victims who are seeking local housing will provide very real support to an extremely vulnerable group of people at this difficult time?

[Victoria Atkins [V]]

I agree with my hon. Friend that small and frontline charities play a vital role in supporting vulnerable people. That is why, on Saturday, the Communities Secretary announced a £76 million fund or package of support to ensure that the most vulnerable in society get the support they need during the pandemic.