Following the independent evaluation on the implementation of Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which highlighted the need for further research into Sanctuary Schemes, the Local Government Association (LGA), MHCLG and Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA) are working in partnership to understand how Sanctuary Schemes are currently being delivered.
Background
Following the independent evaluation on the implementation of Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which highlighted the need for further research into Sanctuary Schemes, the Local Government Association (LGA), MHCLG and Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA) are working in partnership to understand how Sanctuary Schemes are currently being delivered.
As part of this, in September 2025, the LGA sent an online survey to all 296 single-tier and district authorities in England, and to the 22 unitary authorities in Wales. Responses were not actively sought from county councils as the survey was initially targeted at directors of housing or equivalent, and housing responsibilities are usually held at a district level. However, two counties which implemented schemes in their areas on behalf of their districts provided responses. A total of 126 local authorities responded to the survey, including 39 per cent of single tier and district councils.
Additional, in-depth research is underway, commissioned by MHCLG, to understand how Sanctuary Schemes are working in practice. This includes case studies with eight areas and interviews with professionals and survivors, to conclude in Spring 2026, with publication to follow.
Key findings
- Almost all (90 per cent) of respondents reported that there was a Sanctuary Scheme operating in their council’s area.
- Nearly half (48 per cent) indicated that their council operates a Sanctuary Scheme, whilst 42 per cent reported a scheme run by another organisation.
- Just over half (53 per cent) said their local provision offers the full Sanctuary Scheme, including security measures and ongoing domestic abuse support.
- Two-thirds (66 per cent) said that victim survivors at all risk levels were eligible to access the scheme.
- Three-quarters (75 per cent) of respondents reported that their Sanctuary Scheme was initiated before the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
- A majority (59 per cent) of respondents reported that their Sanctuary Scheme is delivered as part of a Whole Housing Approach to domestic abuse.
- A large majority (86 per cent) of respondents considered the Sanctuary Scheme effective in enabling survivors to remain safely in their homes.
- Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) planned to maintain their Sanctuary Scheme as it is over the next 18 months, while 20 per cent planned to expand it.
- A minority (15 per cent) of respondents said they have sufficient resources to meet demand for the Sanctuary Scheme to a great extent, whilst 45 per cent said to a moderate extent..
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LGA
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