Written question asked by Kenny MacAskill (Alba Party) on Wednesday, 8 December 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2021 (named day). It was answered by Eddie Hughes (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2021 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Temporary Accommodation: Domestic Abuse

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what discussions he has had with representatives of local authorities to help ensure that pets are not a barrier to domestic abuse survivors accessing temporary accommodation.

Answer: It is absolutely critical that victims of domestic abuse get support and especially when they are in housing need. That is why we legislated through the Domestic Abuse Act to give people who are homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse priority need for accommodation. Housing authorities should be sensitive to the importance of pets to applicants, particularly rough sleepers and domestic abuse survivors who may rely on pets for companionship. Although it will not always be possible to make provision for pets in temporary accommodation, housing authorities should give careful consideration to this aspect when making provision for applicants who wish to retain their pet.

Secondary information