Responding to the Home Affairs Committee report into funding for tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), which the LGA gave evidence to, Cllr Heather Kidd, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:
“Councils are deeply committed to tackling violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Alongside key partners, they play a key role in providing the essential services that individuals affected by this issue rely on for support.
“However, the sad truth is that financial pressures have impacted councils’ ability to provide VAWG services, which are underfunded and financially unsustainable. It was disappointing to not receive clarity in the recent Spending Review when tackling VAWG is a key government priority.
“Local government needs long-term and stable financial approach, alongside improved coordination great local flexibility around commissioning, to be able to reverse this.”