Issue - meetings

            The Board received a report Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, in relation to the activities being supported across the Borough in response to domestic abuse and sexual violence.

            It was noted that the Domestic Abuse Bill had received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021. As a result, councils across England had a legal duty to provide support such as therapy, advocacy and counselling in safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and their children. The Act also provided those who were homeless because of domestic abuse would become a priority need for accommodation secured by the Council. Full details of the provision of the Act, which it was expected would come into force during 2021/22, were outlined in the report.

            Members were advised that Halton had received a share of the £125m national pot to fund the new duty, including commissioning additional vital support services for victims and improving links between existing local services. It was noted that Halton had been identified as a tier one Local Authority and had been awarded £326,878 to support the local delivery of safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse. As a tier one Local Authority Halton was also required to appoint a multi agency Local Partnership Board that would provide support in performing certain specified functions.

            In addition, the Board noted that the Council’s bid to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for additional Independent Domestic Violence Advocates across Cheshire had been approved.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.