Local Connection Requirements for Social Housing for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Overview

During the passage of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 concerns were raised relating to removing local connection tests for domestic abuse victims who apply for social housing.

The government wishes to consult on regulations to prevent local authorities applying a local connection to victims of domestic abuse applying for social housing. The consultation will consider the scope of regulations and the circumstances in which the exemption would apply.  

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities is seeking views on: 

• Proposals to introduce regulations to enable victims of domestic abuse who need to move to another local authority district to escape domestic abuse to qualify for an allocation of social housing in the new area, and;

• How local authorities are making use of the existing legislation and guidance to support victims who wish to move within and across local authority boundaries.