Families Experiencing Domestic Abuse in Bristol Given Better Social Housing Priority Banding

Social housing banding for domestic abuse in Bristol improves: Victims of domestic violence in Bristol have been given better priority with social housing allocation after a series of campaigns by groups and organisations.

Those who are considered ‘high risk’ are automatically placed into the top housing band for three months. Changes made last year also meant that those who need to move on from a refuge would be able to do so more quickly.

People who have experienced domestic abuse but are still at serious risk from their abuser are also placed in Band One.

There are four bands in Bristol’s social housing allocation, with weekly bidding available on Homechoice. Band One is the highest priority with Band Four lowest priority. Those in Band Three are unlikely to be rehoused, whilst those in Band Four are recommended to look for housing options other than through the council.

During the first year of changes to the way housing priority need is allocated to those who experience domestic abuse, 56 households have been prioritised for rehousing. Of these, 24 were Band One cases and 32 priority move on cases.

A total of 27 households have been rehoused with more still bidding through the Homechoice system. A two thirds of those prioritised included families with children.

Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees said: “This new approach has been in place for a year now and I am delighted to see that we are reducing the length of time it takes to rehouse high risk victims, enabling them to make a quicker transition into new accommodation and start the process of rebuilding their lives.

“We do not want to see anyone living in fear, and our priority is to make sure the most vulnerable in the city are protected from harm.

“We recognise how important it is to have a home that you feel safe and secure in, and we are continuing to work hard with our partners to make sure this is a reality for everyone.”

More from Chopsy Baby
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chopsybaby/
Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/chopsy_baby
Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chopsybristol
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chopsybaby/
Like our Sensory Space ideas on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sensoryspace
Go Home http://www.chopsybaby.com