UK Parliament home

Open Ban local authorities refusing housing to domestic abuse victims with mortgages

Created by Hayley King
Closes on

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.

Sign this petition

40 signatures

Show on a map

10,000

Petition progress

View all updates for this petition, with the most recent first.

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 9 April 2027.