§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will increase funding and assistance to women's aid groups; and if he will make a statement. [32607]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe majority of the funding for local women's aid projects is provided by local housing and social work authorities. Housing authorities have a statutory duty to assist people who are homeless or potentially homeless, including women who are fleeing domestic violence. Under the community care arrangements, local social work authorities can contract 423W with women's aid groups to provide support and accommodation to the victims of domestic violence. Local agencies are best placed to determine the requirement for such services in response to local needs and circumstance.
A large majority of the local women's aid refuges in Scotland are affiliated to the national umbrella organisation, Scottish Women's Aid. Scottish Office grant funding to the SWA has increased by over 60 per cent. in the past three years and provides around 75 per cent. of the organisation's total income.
The Scottish Office also assists local women's aid projects through the urban programme. The Scottish Office provides 75 per cent. of the urban aid grant, with local authorities meeting the balance. Urban programme funding for women's aid projects has also increased significantly in recent years.