Extra Government funding to tackle domestic abuse in Staffordshire has been welcomed by the county's Communities Leader.

Talking about the funding and the new safe accommodation duty coming into force in April 2021, Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities at Staffordshire County Council said the announcement was great news for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

In the announcement on Friday by Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes, councils across England have been allocated £125 million funding to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

The money will fund a new duty on councils to help victims and their children to access life-saving support in safe accommodation – a key part of the Government's landmark Domestic Abuse Bill.

Staffordshire has been allocated £1.5m.

Cllr Wilson said: "Domestic abuse is a terrible crime and tackling the issue remains a priority for the County Council and our partners. We recognise the significant impact it has on not only victims but their wider families too.

"Today's announcement on the funding is welcome and means that victims of domestic abuse and their families can access the specialist support they need. This includes getting access to life-saving support such as therapy, advocacy and counselling, all in safe accommodation. The funding will also give our local refuge providers some financial security for the coming year.

"We will continue to work closely with local organisations and charities from across the county and our partners including Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire & Crime Commissioner, district and borough councils and the NHS, to help break the cycle of domestic abuse."

The £125m funding is part of a wider package of support for victims of rape and domestic abuse, with a £40 million funding boost for victim support services announced last week.