Oral Answers to Questions

Vicky Foxcroft Excerpts

Thursday 23rd November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab)]

5. What steps the Government are taking to increase provision of women’s refuges.

[Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab)]

7. What steps the Government are taking to increase provision of women’s refuges.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)]

Refuges provide vital support for victims of domestic abuse. Since 2014 we have invested a total of £33.5 million in services to support victims of domestic abuse, including supporting our refuges.

[Jake Berry]

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. Knowing his experience with the police force, he will understand that this is an extremely complicated area. The Government are absolutely determined to get this right, because it is of vital importance that we do so. There is no question but that refuges provide a life-saving role in our community and that is why we are currently consulting on the best way to ensure their future funding is right to make sure they are supported as permanent parts of our community.

[Vicky Foxcroft]

Further to my hon. Friend’s question, will the Minister agree to meet Women’s Aid and other relevant organisations to ensure that we properly discuss their concerns about the new funding model for refuges?

[Jake Berry]

I reassure the hon. Lady that those discussions are already taking place. Ministers in my Department have already met Women’s Aid. I know that it, and other organisations, will be playing an active part in the consultation on the future of funding for women’s refuges. That consultation closes on 23 January and I encourage all organisations, and Members, to take part.