Proposals regarding domestic abuse will damage rights

These proposals will damage domestic violence victims and survivors’ right to housing. This policy, if implemented, will reduce the chances of those leaving a violent home from being placed into permanent council accommodation.

It reduces their housing options by forcing them into emergency or temporary accommodation – often bed and breakfast – at a time when they need stable and secure housing, and at a time when they need options and advice.

It could also strip those currently in council accommodation of any permanent tenancy they may have, which may discourage them from reporting the violence and seeking help in the first place.

It is vital that we protect women and men who suffer abuse and that we prioritise their safety and protection. We call upon Barnet Council to drop these proposals, which set a dangerous precedent.

Access to safe, secure and stable housing is vital for all those leaving home and fleeing difficult and violent circumstances. It is a basic principle of good government, both at a local and national level, that the state acts to protect those who are most in need and most vulnerable.

We call upon you as leader of Barnet Council to recognise that by withdrawing these proposals, and we invite you to meet with local organisations who help support the victims of domestic violence to be clear about how housing allocations policy should be formulated to help that work.

We call on all residents who support us in this campaign to sign the petition by visiting https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-domestic-violence-survivors-right-to-housing We also call on all MPs and local councillors across Barnet, and across all political parties, to join us in opposing these proposals.

Cllr Reema Patel, Andrew Dismore, Cllr Alison Moore, Sarah Sackman and Amy Trevethan