Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will hold discussions with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on women sleeping rough because of domestic abuse.

The Deputy Prime Minister has been clear about the importance of resetting this department’s relationship with devolved governments so that we are increasing collaboration on shared opportunities and challenges. UK Government ministers talk regularly to counterparts in Northern Ireland across the full range of government business.

Domestic abuse is a societal issue which affects people, mostly women and girls, across the UK. This Government is committed to tackling this horrendous crime, in line with our manifesto commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

I recognise that the four nations of the UK face common challenges regarding domestic abuse and homelessness, which are devolved matters. In England, local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure support in safe accommodation is available to all victims of domestic abuse who need to flee their homes, and victims of domestic abuse have priority need for homelessness assistance meaning local authorities have a duty to secure suitable accommodation, including temporary accommodation, until settled accommodation is secured.