URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2021

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Children and Families which sought approval of the Cheshire West and Chester Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026–2030.   Members were informed that the Strategy set out the borough’s vision, priorities and action plan for preventing and responding to domestic abuse, in line with the Council’s statutory duties and local needs.  Members noted that the Strategy had been developed collaboratively with partners including Health, Police, Probation and voluntary sector organisations and had also been shaped by the voice of survivors of domestic abuse.   Members further noted that the Strategy was driven by the following five key priorities:   ·         assessing risk to ensure timely identification and response to those at risk of harm; ·         intervening earlier through prevention, education, and outreach to stop abuse before it escalates; ·         providing high-quality, accessible services for those harmed, including safe accommodation and specialist support; ·         supporting children and young people with tailored, age-appropriate interventions that recognise their unique needs; and ·         challenging those who harm, holding perpetrators to account while offering support for positive change.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Charles Hardy spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council.   Members welcomed the detailed report and Strategy and thanked the support teams as well as partners such as Police, Probation, Health and voluntary organisations for all their hard work.  In addition, the cross-party scrutiny work undertaken around the Strategy was highlighted as a robust and positive piece of work.  Whilst the borough faced particular challenges in areas of deprivation, Members acknowledged that incidents of domestic abuse could happen to anyone, anywhere, with victims being male as well as female, and that the true scale was thought to be significantly underreported due to fear, stigma and barriers to disclosure.   It was suggested that further Member training be delivered in order to continue to raise awareness and for Members to better understand how to recognise, respond to and report incidents of domestic abuse.   DECIDED:    That the Cheshire West and Chester Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026–2030 (attached at Appendix 1) be approved.   Reason for Decision   1)            The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 places a legal duty on local authorities to provide support and safe accommodation for those harmed by domestic abuse. The strategy ensures compliance with these duties and aligns national and local priorities. 2)            The strategy is evidence-based having been informed by the 2024 Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment and shaped by engagement with survivors and partner organisations including Health, Police, Probation and community and voluntary sector. It sets out a clear vision and priorities to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities affected by domestic abuse.   Alternative Options 1)            While there are alternative approaches to addressing domestic abuse such as relying solely on existing statutory services, focusing only on crisis intervention, or limiting provision to basic refuge accommodation, this strategy recognises that these options would not fully meet the Council’s ambitions for prevention, equity, and long-term recovery of victims. 2)            This strategy, with a whole-system, survivor centred framework, and commitment to safe accommodation, is designed to deliver the strategic vison ensuring safety, empowerment, and lasting change for all residents. 3)            An option is to not approve this strategy but for the reasons set out above this option is not recommended.

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025