Demand for temporary accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse is around three times higher in Calderdale than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Between July 2020 and July 2021, Calderdale Council supported 181 people fleeing domestic abuse, but 335 in the same period for 2021-2022.

Officers suspected many families chose to stay together during Covid lockdown, but when restrictions were lifted this changed.

Strategic housing delivery manager Heidi Waters said domestic abuse was a key reason why people became homeless.

There had been a significant increase in people approaching the council for help.

The council has a women’s refuge, accommodation at Ryburn House – including some for younger people – and at a number of dispersed flats and other homes.

In June 2019 nobody was in bed and breakfast accommodation and 26 were in temporary homes but figures for July this year showed 106 families in temporary homes, 65 in bed and breakfast accommodation.

“Demand has really shot up.

“The challenge is we are finding it very difficult to access both social housing and private housing at the moment.

“It makes it very, very difficult for us to move people on in an appropriate and planned way,” said Ms Waters.