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Government to fund new ‘respite rooms’ for rough sleepers experiencing abuse
Vulnerable rough sleepers experiencing violence and domestic are to be provided with safe housing and specialist support through a new multimillion-pound government pilot scheme.
The Respite Rooms Trial Programme was first announced in the March Budget as part of a wider pledge to increase support for domestic abuse victims in England and Wales by £19m over two years.
A total of £3.7m will be shared across 12 local authorities in England, including Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.
The north London borough of Camden will receive the largest share (£491,388), followed by Westminster (£451,210) and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (£357,185).
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The programme aims to create 140 bed spaces and additional support for around 1,100 people over a 12-month trial period.
Publishing details of the scheme on 26 July, minister for rough sleeping and housing Eddie Hughes said the respite rooms will “provide a safe space and ensure vulnerable people at risk of sleeping rough are supported in safe housing with expert advice and counselling”.
The move comes ahead of the Domestic Abuse Act, which achieved Royal Assent earlier this year, and changed legislation to make local councils responsible for securing emergency accommodation for people and families at risk of violence and abuse.
In February, Mr Hughes announced the government would be providing local authorities in England with an additional £125m to support victims with safe accommodation and psychological support.
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