THE Government’s decision to allow women in refuges to continue to claim housing benefit has been welcomed by Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch.

Last year, Mrs Maclean was contacted by West Mercia Women’s Aid, which provides services for the victims of domestic abuse and their families, about proposals for changes to the funding of supported housing.

The charity believed the proposals would have had serious consequences for the future of refuge provision in the county.

As a result, Mrs Maclean, along with others, began to lobby the Government over the proposed changes.

The Government has now advised Women’s Aid Federation England that women in refuges will be able to continue to claim housing benefit.

The MP said: “In their darkest hour and time of need, charity’s like West Mercia Women’s Aid are there to support victims of domestic abuse and their families.

“I was extremely concerned about the impact the Government’s proposals could have had on the future of these vital women’s refuges.

"However, the Government has listened to our concerns, done the right thing and confirmed women living in refuges will still be able to claim housing benefit."

Mrs Maclean added: “There must be a reduction in the prevalence of all forms of violence against women and girls, matched by increases in reporting, police referrals, prosecution and convictions for what can still be hidden crimes.

"And there must be an emphasis on earlier intervention and prevention so that fewer women reach crisis point and every victim gets the support they need - and the support their children need - at the right time."

The decision has made a significant difference for the future of refuges across the country, according to West Mercia Women’s Aid.

In 2017/18, the charity supported 140 women and 178 children as residents in refuges.

The charity’s independent domestic advisors also successfully supported 950 victims of domestic abuse whose circumstances were considered to be ‘high risk’.