To approve a draft multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy for Herefordshire 2021-2024 for consultation and wider engagement with stakeholders, in accordance with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Also to approve the Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment 2021.

That:

a)    The draft Domestic Abuse Strategy for Herefordshire 2021-24 (Appendix 1) is approved for the purposes of  consultation

b)    The Domestic Abuse Needs assessment (Appendix 2) is approved

c)    The formation of the Local Partnership Board, as required to comply with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, is approved and the Director of Adults and Communities is delegated authority to take all operational decisions to establish the board.

1.             Not to publish a draft Domestic Abuse Strategy, complete the needs assessment, or form a Local Partnership Board. This option is not recommended. There is a statutory requirement for the council to undertake all three elements of the proposals before the end of October, therefore there are no other alternative options which can in practice be considered.