Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Miscellaneous and supplementary E+W

19 Restriction on exercise of functions in individual cases E+W

(1) The Commissioner may not exercise any function in relation to an individual case.

(2) But subsection (1) does not prevent the Commissioner considering individual cases and drawing conclusions about them for the purpose of, or in the context of, considering a general issue.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 19 in force at 1.11.2021 by S.I. 2021/1038, reg. 3(b)

20 Duty to report on domestic abuse services in England E+W

(1) The Commissioner must, before the end of the relevant period, prepare and publish a report under section 8 on—

(a) the need for domestic abuse services in England, and

(b) the provision of such services.

(2) But subsection (1) does not require the Commissioner to report on the need for, or provision of, services provided to people who reside in relevant accommodation (within the meaning of section 57(2)).

(3) In subsection (1)—

• “domestic abuse services” means any advice, advocacy or counselling services provided, in relation to domestic abuse, to victims of domestic abuse or their children;

• “the relevant period” means the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force (but see subsection (4)).

(4) The Secretary of State, with the agreement of the Commissioner, may by regulations extend the relevant period for a further period of up to 6 months.

(5) The power conferred by subsection (4) may be exercised only once.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 20 in force at 1.11.2021 by S.I. 2021/1038, reg. 3(b)

21 Amendments relating to Commissioner E+W

(1) In Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (offices disqualifying for membership), at the appropriate place insert— “ Domestic Abuse Commissioner. ”

(2) In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (other public bodies and offices: general), at the appropriate place insert— “ The Domestic Abuse Commissioner. ”

(3) In section 37 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (power of the Senedd to call witnesses etc), after subsection (6A) insert—

“(6B) Subsection (1) applies in relation to things done by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner by virtue of section 7(4)(b) or (c) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (functions exercisable in relation to devolved Welsh authorities etc) as it applies in relation to the exercise by the Welsh Ministers of their functions.”

Commencement Information

I3 S. 21 in force at 1.11.2021 by S.I. 2021/1038, reg. 3(b)