The allocation of £3.5m to support domestic abuse victims has been announced with the naming of 46 local authorities which placed successful bids.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said the funding will pay for 710 new bed spaces in a range of safe accommodation.

Successful bids range from specialist domestic abuse refuges for young women aged 16-25 to specialist training for domestic abuse advisors to cater for the specific needs of Britain’s black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

DCLG said the boost in 2015 to 2016 is in addition to the newly secured funding of £40 million over the next four years announced as part of the recent spending review.

Projects include funding for Barking and Dagenham to recruit local residents to provide accommodation in their homes to victims fleeing domestic abuse, Birmingham opening a domestic abuse refuge for young women aged 16 to 25 and Newcastle providing a better service for mothers and their children.

Communities minister Baroness Williams, who led a review of services dealing with domestic abuse with Home Office minister Karen Bradley, said: 'Domestic abuse is an appalling crime that shatters lives and this government is determined to ensure that no victim is turned away from the support they need.

'This new funding will help local authorities and specialist charities provide a strong safety net for anyone facing the threat of abuse in their own home.'