The Domestic Abuse Support (Relevant Accommodation and Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 2021

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Section 57 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 requires local authorities to ensure that the need for accommodation-based support to victims of domestic abuse in their area is assessed. Accommodation-based support is defined in that section as support, in relation to domestic abuse, provided to victims of domestic abuse, or their children, who reside in relevant accommodation. Regulation 2 of these Regulations specify what types of accommodation are relevant accommodation.

Regulation 3 amends regulation A13 of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 to include an exception from under-occupancy deductions for any housing benefit claimant who is living in a social sector rented property that is adapted under a sanctuary scheme as a result of a member of that household having had domestic violence threatened or inflicted upon them. It also inserts definitions for terms used in the amendment.

Regulation 4 amends paragraph 36 of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 to include an equivalent exception from under-occupancy deductions for Universal Credit claimants living in social rented sector properties adapted under a sanctuary scheme.

Regulation 5 provides that the regulation relating to universal credit has effect on 1st October 2021 if a claimant’s assessment period begins on that day and, if it does not, on the first date of a claimant’s next assessment period following 1st October 2021.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact is foreseen on the private or voluntary sectors.