Glossary
Refuge
In one sentence
Non-permanent accommodation for people who have left home because of domestic abuse. Category 3 specified accommodation.
For Housing Benefit, a refuge is provided by a local authority or not-for-profit body, and the building is used wholly or mainly as non-permanent accommodation for people who have left home because of domestic abuse. There is no separate support test.
Under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, tier one councils must commission support in safe accommodation, including refuges.
Related terms
Where it comes up
- The four categories of specified accommodationSpecified accommodation is the group of supported housing types where rent is paid through Housing Benefit, even for people on Universal Credit. There are four categories. Exempt accommodation, managed properties, domestic abuse refuges and local authority hostels. Each has its own tests for who the landlord can be and whether support is required.
- Types of supported housing in EnglandSupported housing is any housing that comes with support, care or supervision to help people live as independently as they can. The main models are hostels, shared supported houses, self-contained supported flats, Housing First, refuges, young people's schemes, supported lodgings, supported living and housing for older people. They differ in who they serve, how long people stay and who pays for the support.
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.