Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report from the Executive Director - Environment and Regeneration, which provided an update on the following ongoing service developments in the Domestic Abuse Service:

• Domestic Abuse Strategy - this had been renewed until the end of 2026 and was appended to the report. The 4 strategic priorities remained the same and Strategy was approved by the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board in April 2025;

• Domestic Abuse Partnership Board – Halton’s needs assessment required an update and this would completed by the end of the year.  This would inform the emerging from 2026 onwards;

• White Ribbon -  the steering group signed off the action plan on 7 May 2025 and submitted to White Ribbon to complete the last stage of accreditation.  A copy of the action plan was appended to the report for information; and

• Harm Reduction – the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office had secured additional resources for Halton to deliver a harm reduction initiative.  This would include joint working with a number of agencies including health, housing, criminal justice agencies, drug and alcohol services and local authority departments.  An evaluation report would be presented to the Board in due course. 

Members acknowledged that it was pleasing to note the work being done and that action is being taken against domestic violence for all victims.  Members also suggested that they would like to see a workforce policy for domestic abuse. 

RESOLVED:  That the Board note and comment on the report.