Part of Questions to the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip – in the Senedd at 2:46 pm on 14 May 2019.
I thank Jack Sargeant for that question, because the Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that we have all the services available that are needed for those seeking support because of domestic abuse and violence. Clearly, we are driving this as a result of our national strategy following the Act, and that has led to a more strategic and needs-led approach to commissioning and delivering all services, including refuge provisions and specialist services that are important. So, one of the things we've done—the Welsh Government's recently commissioned the Wales Centre for Public Policy to conduct a review into refuge provision in Wales and make recommendations for both women and men fleeing abuse. That review will look at international approaches and seek input from expert providers. I think funding is crucial as well as legal duties, and it's important that we have invested in Wales—continue to invest—in the Supporting People grant that's paid to local authorities to help vulnerable people find and keep a home or accommodation, including those fleeing domestic violence. That became part of the housing support grant from April of this year and is administered by all the local authorities. That does also give us a much better track record on refuge provision.