Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress has been made on the independent and external audit of domestic abuse services commissioned by his Department which is due to be completed in spring 2018.

We have appointed Ipsos MORI to run the audit of local authority commissioned domestic abuse services. Every local authority has been written to asking for their participation.

An online audit questionnaire for completion by local authorities has been developed in consultation with domestic abuse sector partners and a number of local authorities. The questionnaire responses will give us a picture of domestic abuse service provision across the country, enabling us to assess what impact services are having and to identify any gaps in provision.

We are continuing to work closely with domestic abuse sector partners, drawing on their data, expertise and knowledge as we explore all options for the future sustainable delivery of domestic abuse services in England.

The findings from the audit will help to inform our full review of domestic abuse services which will conclude in the summer.