Written question WQ99955
- Asked by
- Shav TajLabour
- To be answered by
- Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of any additional administrative burdens placed on domestic abuse refuge providers by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and what consideration has it given to exempting refuge accommodation from aspects of the Act?
Answer
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality (Sioned Williams)
We are aware of concerns raised by the sector regarding the operational impact of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (the Act) on refuge providers. Within our 100-day plan, we have committed to immediately exempt refuges from the Act to ensure access to safe accommodation for survivors. Evidence shared by refuge providers indicates that the process for obtaining extensions where survivors remain in refuge accommodation beyond six months can create significant administration, requiring staff time that could otherwise be directed towards supporting survivors. Providers have also raised concerns about the implications of these requirements for the safe and effective operation of refuge services.
Ongoing consideration of the operation of the Act in relation to refuge accommodation has also drawn on evidence from the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 evaluation, including the research into the implications of the Renting Homes Act 2016 for refuge accommodation, and reflects the importance of ensuring any future approach is safe, proportionate and capable of delivering the intended protections for refuge services and the survivors who access them.
As with any potential legislative change, it is important that we follow due process and ensure that the views and experiences of survivors accessing these services are fully considered.