Councils are receiving over one request per day for safe accommodation from people affected by domestic abuse.

An LGA survey of 49 councils found that roughly 410 presentations for safe accommodation were received by local authorities in 2025/26, resulting in an average of 298 placements being made.

While the survey results underlined the scale of support being provided, it also pinpointed an increase in the barriers faced by councils attempting to deliver services – such as a lack of suitable accommodation and increasing financial strain.

The most common obstacles were a shortage of suitable accommodation for those with specific needs (78%), as well as a broader shortfall of safe accommodation (69%).

A further 73% of councils revealed that financial issues were interfering with their ability to deliver safe accommodation and support as many people as they would want to. And although 86% of councils confirmed that existing provision was fulfilling needs to a ‘great or moderate extent’, a large amount raised concerns about doing so for people who need specialist accommodation and support.

Local authorities also felt that provision met the needs of women to a greater extent than other groups - including men, disabled people and people who do not identify with the sex they were registered with at birth.

To ensure councils are equipped to meet demand, the LGA has called for the Government to provide long-term sustainable funding and increased flexibility around how it can be used locally.

Over three quarters of councils reported that more flexibility in how the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant can be used would support the effectiveness of their response to local needs.

Cllr Matt Boughton, Chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities committee, also highlighted the need for local gaps in provision to be addressed, to ‘ensure every survivor can access accommodation that is safe, suitable and supported’.

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Cllr Boughton said: ‘Every day councils are helping victims and survivors of domestic abuse escape dangerous situations and access safety and support. Our survey shows councils are receiving more than one request a day for safe accommodation, demonstrating the scale of demand local services are responding to.

‘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.’

An MHCLG spokesperson said: ‘Nobody experiencing abuse should be left in a home they do not feel safe in and anyone homeless as a result of domestic abuse must have priority access to emergency accommodation.

‘We are providing nearly £500m to help councils support victims and survivors of domestic abuse, with access to safe accommodation and refuges – a £100m increase compared to 24-25. We are also investing £39bn to boost supply of Social and Affordable Homes so more people can get the safe housing they deserve.'