THE Women’s Refuge has refused to be inspected for the last four years, according to former deputy Health minister Barry Brehaut.

He wants the charity to undergo an inspection either by Health and Social Services or by an independent national body to make sure there is no duplication of services for vulnerable women and their children.

Deputy Brehaut (pictured), who chairs the Scrutiny Committee, said the fact that he was asking for an inspection was not a criticism of the charity or anyone involved with it.

‘In the last four years HSSD has been attempting to inspect the refuge for best practice. It is an opportunity for the Women’s Refuge to have an endorsement,’ he said.

Deputy Brehaut said the refuge used a States building – a considerable asset – for a peppercorn rent of £100 a year.

It also received an annual grant of £20,000 from Social Security towards its £120,000 running costs.

That meant there should be a mechanism by which the Women’s Refuge was inspected, said Deputy Brehaut.

‘What we are saying to the refuge is, let us endorse the work you are doing by an inspection.’

Women’s Refuge director Dame Mary Perkins dismissed suggestions that the Refuge should be inspected.

She said in 11 years HSSD had visited twice and it would never object to a request for a visit from HSSD.

But Deputy Brehaut said: ‘I appreciate that HSSD staff can call in, but we want an external reviewer to call in. The Women’s Refuge fully understand that distinction.’