Glossary
Sanctuary scheme
In one sentence
Security measures and support that let a survivor of domestic abuse stay safely in their own home.
Regulations made in 2021 protect households in qualifying sanctuary schemes from the spare bedroom reduction in Housing Benefit and Universal Credit.
Related terms
Where it comes up
- Refuges and domestic abuse safe accommodationRefuges are non-permanent accommodation with specialist support for people who have left home because of domestic abuse. Under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, upper-tier councils in England must assess the need for support in safe accommodation, publish a strategy and commission support to meet it. For Housing Benefit, refuges are category 3 specified accommodation, which has no separate support test.
- 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.