I spoke in the Westminster Hall debate on domestic abuse and homelessness this week to emphasise that Wales must be given adequate financial resources by the UK Government for the provision of refuge and accommodation services for domestic abuse victims.

The UK Government is currently seeking views on proposals for a new approach to delivering support to survivors of domestic abuse in accommodation-based services, and has said that ‘funding will be provided to place these services on a long-term, sustainable footing’. However, these proposals only relate to England, and organisations like Welsh Women’s Aid have warned that without proper funding being allocated for the devolved nations, some services will be forced to fight for financial survival.

Speaking during the debate, I said “In the Government’s recent announcement on accommodation-based services it promised to put refuges in England on a more long-term, sustainable future, which is welcome. But it’s essential that the UK Government also ensures that Wales is funded to be able to do this because it is a national network, and we don’t want a postcode lottery.”