More than one person a day is asking councils in England for safe accommodation after suffering domestic abuse, a survey shows.
Research published on Wednesday by the Local Government Association (LGA) shows financial pressures and shortages of suitable housing are making it hard for councils to meet demand.
The survey, carried out among 49 councils in June and July, found local authorities received an average of 410 requests for safe accommodation during 2025/26 and made an average of 298 placements.
Seventy-eight per cent of councils struggled to provide suitable accommodation for people with specific needs, while 69% reported wider shortages of safe housing.
Almost three quarters said funding problems were also affecting their ability to provide accommodation.
Refuge places were available in nine out of 10 councils, while eight out of 10 had sanctuary schemes and three quarters provided temporary accommodation.
However, the research highlighted gaps in provision for some groups.
Although 96% of councils said their services met the needs of women, this fell to 65% for men and 55% for disabled people.
The figure was 53% for people who do not identify with the sex they were registered at birth with.
Matt Boughton, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities committee, said: ‘Too many councils are finding it difficult to secure the right homes and support for people with complex or specialist needs, while financial pressures continue to grow.
‘Safe accommodation can be life-changing and life-saving. But survivors also need practical help and longer-term support to rebuild their lives.
‘Government can help councils meet rising demand by providing sustainable funding and greater flexibility to be able to prevent homelessness, address local gaps in provision and ensure every survivor can access accommodation that is safe, suitable and supported.’
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