Extra £19m pledge for safe housing for abuse survivors

COUNCILS will receive a further £19million aimed at providing safe housing for domestic abuse survivors as part of the Government's violence against women and girls (Vawg) strategy.

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Ministers said the funding would help local authorities offer victims access to a "fresh start" on top of £480 million already pledged over the next three years for support including refuges and sanctuary schemes.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to unveil sweeping reforms to the criminal justice system this week as part of Government plans to halve Vawg, which it has declared a "national emergency", within a decade.

Around £500 million will go towards the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Duty, which places a statutory requirement on local authorities to provide support to survivors and children in safe accommodation.