Refuge responds to MHCLG’s funding announcement for safe accommodation
In response to MHCLG’s funding announcement for safe accommodation, Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO of Refuge, said:
“Refuge welcomes the recent announcement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to continue its funding of refuges for women fleeing domestic abuse, with a £30m increase for 2025-26.
“The Domestic Abuse Duty Safe Accommodation grant for the coming year is now worth £160m, representing a 20% uplift to support local councils in fulfilling their responsibility to provide lifesaving accommodation for domestic abuse survivors.
“However, this figure is still well below the minimum funding settlement of £228m for refuge services, as estimated by Women’s Aid. At a time when violence against women and girls (VAWG) is devastatingly prevalent, and many services are at breaking point after years of chronic underfunding, adequate investment into specialist services is needed more than ever.
“The VAWG sector has repeatedly emphasised the need for dedicated, ring-fenced funding for specialist domestic abuse services, including a national ring-fenced funding pot for ‘by and for’ organisations, which are vital for marginalised survivors who face even more extensive barriers to accessing support. As local authorities continue to feel the pressure of acute funding challenges, Refuge is concerned that the current funding allocation does not include ring-fenced provisions for specialist services, who will continue to be at risk of decommissioning in favour of generic services.
“VAWG services provide lifesaving support to thousands of women and girls every year and will be essential in supporting the Government to deliver its mission to halve VAWG over the next decade, but many will be unable to continue their crucial work if the Government does not step up. With the Spring Spending Review on the horizon, we are calling on the Government to put in place ring-fenced, multi-year and sustainable funding for specialist organisations.”