Gavin Newlands MP calls for greater support for families fleeing domestic violence

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has called on the UK Government to provide long-term and sustainable funding to support those who help women and children fleeing domestic violence.

The Prime Minister announced her latest U-turn on Wednesday, stating that the UK Government would abandon their plans to impose a cap on funding for supported housing.

This was a welcome relief but refuge providers are still concerned that the Government will fail to offer the long-term and sustainable funding that is urgently needed to prevent further refuge centres from closing.

Mr Newlands serves as the Chair of the White Ribbon cross party group, which highlights the positive role that men can play in ending violence against women and girls.

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“Thankfully due to pressure from the supported housing sector, the UK Government have performed their latest U-turn and abandoned their plans to impose a cap on the Local Housing Allowance on supported housing.

“This would have been disastrous for women refuge services with Women’s Aid suggesting that it could’ve resulted in 67% of refuge services closing their doors for good.

“Next week, the UK Government will bring forward their plans on how they plan to fund supported housing. They have to recognise the distinct nature of women’s refuges and provide the long-term funding that these life-saving services urgently require. Failure to do so will result in more women and children fleeing domestic violence to be turned away in their moment of need.”