Written question asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Hanham (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 December 2010.

Women: Refuges

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of cuts and changes in funding to women's refuges in Essex.

Answer: The Government have secured £6.5 billion of funding for Supporting People over the spending review. In addition, the Home Office has committed to reverse the decline in rape crisis centres by considering how to use the proceeds from the victim surcharge to deliver fifteen new rape crisis centres, and give existing rape crisis centres stable, long-term funding. Based on the expenditure information provided by local authorities, expenditure on domestic violence services in England has increased each year and, in Essex, expenditure has increased by over 20 per cent since 2005-06. Information submitted by Essex County Council has also shown that the number of units of support for women at risk of domestic violence, funded by Supporting People, has remained stable over the last three years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4940; 723 c238WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Domestic Violence: Refuges
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Finance Essex Refuges
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk