Domestic abuse support within safe accommodation: statutory guidance and regulations consultation
MHCLG is launching a consultation on the draft statutory guidance and two sets of regulations that accompany Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act.
In this consultation, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is seeking views on the draft statutory guidance and the following draft Statutory Instruments:
- The Domestic Abuse Support (Relevant Accommodation) Regulations 2021
- The Domestic Abuse (Local Authority Strategies) Regulations 2021
On 29 April the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 received Royal Assent. The Act includes within Part 4 (sections 57-61) new duties on tier 1 local authorities in England relating to the provision of support for victims and their children residing within relevant safe accommodation and a duty on tier 2 authorities to co-operate with tier 1 authorities.
The Act also places a requirement to consult on the statutory guidance and two regulations. Under section 60 of Part 4 of the Act, the Secretary of State is required to consult on and issue statutory guidance to assist local authorities in exercising their new functions. Once finalised, local authorities will need to have regard to the guidance in exercising their functions.