§ Lord Ashley of Stokeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What financial or other help they give to refuges for the victims of domestic violence.
§ The Earl of ArranIn 1994–95 the Government will be providing through the Housing Corporation about £3 million in revenue support for 1,800 bedspaces in women's refuges, and capital amounting to £5.8 million to develop further schemes. The Government are also making available to the Women's Aid Federation (England) £151,200 in core funding to provide support services for women and children who are victims of physical violence in the home; £140,000 over three years towards the enhancement of the federation's national telephone help line and £55,000 over three years to fund a national housing co-ordinator. Other government funding includes £248,000 to Welsh Women's Aid, and £455,845 for projects in individual refuges and advice centres in Wales; £180,000 to Scottish Women's Aid; and £62,299 to Northern Ireland Women's Aid.
§ Lord Ashley of Stokeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What consultations they have had with the administrators of refuges for the victims of domestic violence.
The Earl of ArranLord Ashley of StokeThe Government consult local authorities and housing associations on a range of housing issues, including provision for people fleeing domestic violence. asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have plans to increase the number of refuges for the victims of domestic violence.
§ The Earl of ArranThe Government consider that the extent of refuge provision is best decided by local authorities, taking into account issues such as the local supply of housing available for short-term use in emergency situations.