Councils in England are receiving more than one request every day from victims and survivors of domestic abuse needing safe accommodation, a new LGA survey reveals.
However, shortages of suitable homes and mounting financial pressures are making it increasingly difficult to meet demand, with councils reporting that a lack of suitable accommodation can prevent them from helping every victim and survivor.
The 49 councils surveyed received an average of 410 presentations for safe accommodation in 2026/26, and made an average of 298 placements.
Publication of the survey marks five years since the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which placed new duties on councils to assess and meet needs for domestic abuse support and safer accommodation.
Cllr Matt Boughton, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities committee, said: “Every day councils are helping victims and survivors of domestic abuse escape dangerous situations and access safety and support.
“Our survey… demonstrates the scale of demand local services are responding to.
“Too many councils are finding it difficult to secure the right homes and support for people with complex or specialist needs, while financial pressures continue to grow.
“Safe accommodation can be life-changing and life-saving. But survivors also need practical help and longer-term support to rebuild their lives.
“Government can help councils meet rising demand by providing sustainable funding and greater flexibility to be able to prevent homelessness, address local gaps in provision and ensure every survivor can access accommodation that is safe, suitable and supported.”