Those fleeing domestic abuse are among those who will be given social housing priority as part of a new allocations policy.

Brent Council confirmed victims of domestic abuse living in refuge or temporary accommodation will have a greater chance of securing council housing in the borough.

The decision is part of its housing allocation scheme, which includes plans to build 1,000 new council homes.

A Brent Council cabinet report noted it is “committed to supporting victims of domestic violence” and welcomed the decision to back their housing needs.

This was noted by Brent Council deputy leader, Cllr Margaret McLennan, who said it was “particularly pleasing” to see domestic abuse sufferers given additional support.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, said this will not solve the borough’s housing crisis.

She added allocation decisions are “not easy” and the council is “doing all it can in a fundamentally broken housing market”.

She pointed out there are 2,500 people currently in temporary accommodation in Brent and 3,500 on housing lists, figures she described as “too many”.

And one-third of residents are living in the private rental sector, where affordability is a widespread issue.

“There are thousands of families who need our help, and this is likely to increase in the coming months and years,” she said.

“Decisions about who to prioritise for social housing are therefore not easy.

“Meanwhile, we’ll continue to do all we can to increase the amount of affordable housing which is desperately needed by people in Brent.”