DAHA Policy Response: A Welcome Investment, But What About Survivors?

A Welcome Investment, But What About Survivors? 

We welcome the £39bn investment in the housing sector and the Government’s recognition of the critical role housing plays in national wellbeing and economic recovery. The commitment to truly affordable, socially rented homes is especially encouraging. However, to ensure this investment meets the needs of all those in housing crisis, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, it is critical that this strategy is inclusive and trauma-informed. 

The Spending Review makes no mention of domestic abuse, despite it being a leading cause of homelessness and housing instability in the UK. Domestic abuse is a housing issue — and survivors must be central to any long-term housing strategy. 

We need clarity on key housing questions: how many truly affordable, socially rented homes will be built in the next ten years? How many of these will be accessible to survivors of domestic abuse who need to relocate for safety? Will Section 106 local connection criteria still apply to these homes? 

While Government guidance in 2024 removed local connection tests for DA survivors, Section 106 agreements continue to apply them. Survivors are still being excluded from newly built homes due to legally binding Section 106 local connection criteria, which many local authorities claim cannot be waived.  

Women and children are being left in refuge or unsafe temporary accommodation for months—sometimes years—unable to move on with their lives. Survivors are being rejected from housing even when deemed in emergency need, simply for lacking local connection. Some are forced to return to the area of abuse, putting them at direct risk of further harm or homicide. 

We are calling for a Government exemption to Section 106 local connection criteria. 

  • Survivors of domestic abuse must be formally exempt from these agreements—through national guidance, local nomination agreements, or amended legislation if necessary.  
  • We also call for clear targets for the delivery of truly affordable social housing, with accountability around access for marginalised groups, including survivors of domestic abuse.  
  • Furthermore, we urge the inclusion of domestic abuse in housing investment strategies, recognising the role of housing in safety, recovery, and long-term prevention. 

The Government’s housing investment is welcome — but without addressing systemic barriers, such as Section 106 local connection criteria and the omission of domestic abuse in planning frameworks, survivors will remain excluded from the very homes this review promises.

DAHA urges the Government to ensure survivors are not left behind in this new housing chapter.