Decision details

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report which presented the Domestic Violence and Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategy for the Board’s approval. In doing so, the report outlined the partnership approach which had been undertaken in the development of the strategy and provided details of the new regulatory framework in this area.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with an update on the resource which remained in place to support the local community in Holbeck where the Managed Approach operated prior to its cessation, and also the support which continued to be provided to the vulnerable women involved in sex work in that area. In providing such information, the Member in question was offered a briefing on such matters, if required. Members also discussed the extent to which there was a link between the specifics of the proposed strategy, as detailed within the submitted report and the support being provided to sex workers and the local community in the Holbeck area.

A Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that the proposed strategy looked to improve engagement with those suffering from domestic violence and signpost them to appropriate support. In response, those comments were acknowledged, with it being noted that representations would continue to be made to Government around the current restrictions on funding allocations in this area so as to maximise the support available and build upon the provision that was already in place.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, be noted, and that the Domestic Violence and Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategy, as appended to the report, be approved;

(b)  That the new regulatory context for this strategy, be noted, with it also being noted that as a result, the Local Authority will continue to work with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in order to respond to any amendments and changes to support the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment is responsible for the implementation of the strategy.

(At the commencement of this item, Cllr Rafique returned to the meeting room)