A domestic abuse contractor faced stiff criticism from the council leader at last night’s meeting.

Cranstoun was awarded the £1.5 million domestic abuse support service contract by Wokingham Borough Council last year. However, some of the charity’s performance to date has been condemned. 

Council leader, John Halsall, said: “Part of Cranstoun’s contract is to open a new refuge to increase capacity in the borough and they have failed to do this to date” 

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This has left the borough having to rely solely on an existing refuge, a three-bedroom home situated within the area. 

“We are requiring that Cranstoun either open a new refuge within the borough or surrender that part of the contract so we can find a different provider who can,” said Cllr Halsall. 

Cranstoun provides services for those facing difficulties with domestic abuse, alcohol and other drugs, housing and criminal justice. 

A spokesperson for Cranstoun said: “The contract covers the support and management of refuge provision. The refuge provision was withheld by the previous provider when the service went live in July 2021.

“As was highlighted by the Leader of the Council, Cranstoun’s current provision for victims of domestic abuse in the borough is meeting all of its statutory requirements and refuge provision is provided to people fleeing domestic abuse in Wokingham.

“Cranstoun has been working collaboratively with Wokingham Borough Council to resolve these challenges and to deliver a first class service to victims of domestic abuse and ensure that they get the right support they need, when they need it.”

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Estimates made by the council indicate that one in ten Wokingham residents will be affected by domestic abuse each year. Last year's figures show that Thames Valley Police responded to 2,165 incidents in the borough.  

The council recently outlined a three-year strategy to tackle rising incidents, which included increasing awareness, providing early intervention and support for victims, by having a multi-agency partnership approach. 

The executive member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, Councillor Bill Soane, said: “We want residents and those who flee to Wokingham Borough as a result of domestic abuse to feel safe, acknowledged and heard, whilst being able to access quality support.” 

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As part of the strategy, funding to tackle domestic abuse cases was increased by 55 per cent last year. 

If you or someone you know are affected by domestic abuse, you can call the council’s abuse helpline on 01189 021921 or in an emergency call the police on 999.