Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, has welcomed the Government’s decision to give Milton Keynes Council £536,671 to provide vital support services for domestic abuse victims, helping victims recover and rebuild their lives.
The Government is providing £125 million to councils across England to make sure that safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with vital support services including healthcare, social workers and benefits.
Interpreters, immigration advice, drug or alcohol support and other specialist services will also be funded and made available so that anyone who flees their home gets the help they need.
The funding Milton Keynes Council will receive from the Government will help them to to increase the support they can offer domestic abuse victims, whilst allowing them to choose how the funding is spent to match local priorities and benefit those in need.
The Conservative Government also announced that it will consult on current housing rules, with the aim of giving victims more choice on where they rebuild their lives. By removing Local Connection Tests for abuse victims, this could help victims apply to social housing outside their local area, escaping the community their abuser lives in.
Ben Everitt MP said: “Domestic abuse is a scourge on society and I'm pleased to see the Government is offering more money to local authorities to support domestic abuse victims and their children.
"I was extremely proud to co-sponsor an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill which was accepted by the Government and ensured domestic abuse victims would receive priority housing."
Rough Sleeping and Housing Minister Eddie Hughes said: “This funding will give victims of domestic abuse and their children across the country the practical and emotional support to recover and rebuild their lives from this terrible crime.
“Through the landmark Domestic Abuse Act, the government has transformed the response to domestic abuse, helping to prevent offending and make sure victims are protected and supported.
“The consultations we are launching today build on this work and will help us give victims more options to move forward with their lives in the way that is right for them.
Safeguarding Minister Rachel Maclean added: “Home is not the safe place it should be for domestic abuse victims and their families. The extra support provided today will provide a vital lifeline for victims as they try and rebuild their lives positively while feeling supported and protected.
“These are important changes that sit alongside the new measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which will give victims of domestic abuse longer to report offences to the police, so that abusers do not evade justice.
