Planning and Development: Women’s Safety

Opened the debate

Christine Jardine acknowledges the government's efforts to address women's safety in urban planning but argues that more needs to be done. She highlights the issue of violence against women and girls, citing statistics such as 177 women killed by men between April 2019 and March 2021. She emphasises the need for national standards requiring risk assessments focused on women's safety in all projects, conducted by a recognised agency to ensure they meet national criteria before planning permission is granted. Jardine advocates for well-lit walkways and safe routes from public transport, emphasising that design without gender bias can prevent violence against women.

Government Response

Minister Stuart Andrew acknowledges the importance of the debate and highlights existing policies aimed at enhancing women's safety through urban planning. He emphasises that while planning is a devolved matter, England’s planning system includes frameworks to ensure safe development. The national design guide and model code set standards for creating safe public spaces and active frontages to deter crime. Stuart Andrew also mentions ongoing efforts by the Department for Transport to improve street designs and personal safety measures in public areas. He announces £70 million allocated since 2020 through the safer streets fund and commits an additional £150 million over three years to combat violence against women and girls. The minister emphasises collaboration with police and crime officers, launching initiatives like StreetSafe for reporting unsafe areas, and highlights examples of successful urban planning projects that prioritise pedestrian safety and visibility.