Written question asked by Vera Baird (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Supporting People scheme reviews of local women's refuges are consistent across the country, (b) Supporting People reviews are undertaken by officers who have been trained in domestic violence and (c) the national network of refuges will be (i) sustained and (ii) developed.

Answer: Vera Baird: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Supporting People scheme reviews of local women's refuges are consistent across the country, (b) Supporting People reviews are undertaken by officers who have been trained in domestic violence and (c) the national network of refuges will be (i) sustained and (ii) developed. [206041] Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working in partnership with Woman's Aid to provide training to all administering authorities on reviewing domestic violence services. This will provide consistency at a national level and ensure that officers are appropriately trained. Domestic Violence services have been "designated" which means that the approval of the Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, must be sought prior to any Supporting People funding being withdrawn. Administering Authorities must produce a five year strategy for submission to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by March 2005. These strategies will identify local needs and priorities and we will analyse these to ensure that the disadvantaged groups have not been marginalised. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will also monitor the implementation and development of the strategy.

Secondary information