Ban local authorities refusing housing to domestic abuse victims with mortgages — 27 signatures. Status: open.
I would like the government to make it illegal for local authorities to decline housing support for victims of domestic abuse who have a joint mortgage with their abuser. Currently local councils can decline housing support due to the victim already owning a home and because they have equity.
We are concerned that victims can be told to "go home" to their abuser or simply don't leave due to homelessness and no income. Abusers use the joint mortgage as a form of control and threat to stop the victim from fleeing. Children can remain in unsafe homes due to this rule. Victims can be told that the local authority "cant help" as they have equity. The process to sell a home is long & dangerous with an abuser. Post separation is where the risk of fatality is at its highest. Private rent is often too expensive.
View this petition on the official UK Parliament website