Social Rented Housing: Domestic Abuse
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions of the potential impact of people who have experienced domestic abuse being allocated unfurnished dwellings on the well-being of those people.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook
This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls within a decade. We have committed £550 million for victims’ services, with an additional 2% uplift each year, and £499 million over the next three years to support in safe accommodation for victims of abuse.
People living without essential furniture, including victims of domestic abuse, can access support through their local authority, including via the Household Support Fund until 31 March, and from April, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, to provide discretionary help with essential items such as furniture.
The government consulted on proposals to reform the Decent Homes Standard for both the social and private rented sectors. As part of this, we sought views on how furniture provision could be addressed within best practice guidance. Our response to the consultation was published in January 2026, confirming our commitment to issue guidance relating to furniture provision. The consultation response can be found on gov.uk here.
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