A GROUP of councillors have agreed they will step up support for those affected by domestic violence in Winchester.

Cllr Ernie Jeffs, portfolio holder for communities and transport, approved recommendations to improve the council's response.

They included investigating the possibility of increasing the number of stage two supported housing units by a further 10 by looking into locations and funding opportunities.

The decision notice also said an arrangement between the city council and refuge should be arranged, a review of corporate policy for staff, improving education and awareness for frontline staff, setting up a webpage detailing help lines, and encouraging Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes to commission the expansion of the Independent Domestic Violence Advocates service at a local level.

The council also wants to support the Winchester Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum by ensuring a room is available for meetings up to three times a year. Homeless shelter Trinity Winchester has offered a room for the group for free.

In January the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee appointed an informal scrutiny group to consider domestic violence, which came up with the final recommendations.

Portfolio holder for Housing Services, Steve Miller, will now be sent the points relating to expanding supported housing, an arrangement with the refuge and revisions of corporate policy.

The decision notice said: “Domestic violence is a key priority within the Winchester Community Safety Partnership Delivery Plan. Actions related to this key priority are also linked to the community strategy and portfolio holder plans for communities and transport and housing services.”

It also said progressing housing issues will have significant impact on staff time and use of internal resources, and if further stage two housing opportunities are realised then external funding will have to be found.