Cash for South Hams' domestic violence survivors

It could help prevent homelessness

Finding ways to tackle domestic violence will help reduce homelessness, a South Hams councillor claims. 

This week members of South Hams District Council Homelessness executive team heard that homelessness extended beyond people sleeping rough, and often included people forced out of their homes through no fault of their own. 

As councillors looked at year two of a five year housing strategy for South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils, they heard how more than £6,000 had been given to support people affected by domestic violence. 

Cllr Nicky Hopwood (Cons, Woolwell) said: “I’m particularly pleased to see the £6,046 of funding to support the delivery of the Domestic Abuse Act. 

“I think that’s really critical because to prevent domestic abuse prevents homelessness, and I think that as a council we’re in a position to help those people who may find themselves in that situation.

“It’s not a lot of money, but it’s better than nothing.  And I’m sure that with nothing we’ve always done something. 

“So to have something, some money would be great and I look forward to seeing how we deliver this act over the next 12 months.”

The five-year strategy was adopted in April 2021. Since then both South Hams and West Devon councils have declared a housing crisis and each has committed to an action plan to address the specific needs of rural areas. 

In the second year of the strategy, the council aims to focus on delivering new housing of the right type for people, while also making best use of existing stock. 

Councillors heard of the need to ensure that people are provided with homes that are well maintained, energy efficient and meet their health and wellbeing needs.

The Homelessness Act 2002 requires local authorities to review homelessness and factors that cause it in their area, and to develop a strategy which addresses the findings.

Since the last strategy was drawn up in 2017, South Hams has prevented and relieved the homelessness of 1,170 households.

ONS data reveals that in 2021 the south west experienced the UK’s joint highest domestic property rental increases (along with West Midlands) of 3.1 per cent. 

In the three months to August 2021, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reported that demand for rental accommodation was accelerating, while the availability of accommodation declined.