§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidance to local authorities on allowing housing in cases where a woman has left the area in which she was living as a result of domestic violence and has moved to a different authority area; and if he will make a statement. [108727]
§ Mr. MullinPeople who are fleeing domestic violence are regarded as homeless by virtue of sections 175 and 177 of the Housing Act 1996. Authorities should consider whether applicants are vulnerable as a result of having suffered violence or abuse from a person with whom they154W are associated. If so, they will have a priority need for accommodation. When discharging their duties under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1996, authorities must have regard to how suitable the location of that accommodation is. Threats of violence would clearly be a factor in their decision making.
The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions revised draft Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness, due to be published in the Spring, gives clear messages to local authorities about the approach they might take where women need to leave their home because of domestic violence. It also encourages authorities to refer to the voluntary Inter-Borough Agreement on out-of-area-placements of homeless households in the private rented sector, which has been agreed between member authorities of the Association of London Government. This sets out a framework for co-operation and consultation between member authorities. Although this addresses the particular context of London, the principle and policies advocated apply equally across all areas where there is a need for out-of-area placement.