TELEVISION LICENCE FEE SCHEME FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE REFUGES

Early day motion 435, tabled 7 December 2006 by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 69 members.

That this House is deeply concerned that women who have fled to refuge centres due to domestic abuse are responsible for purchasing a television licence immediately upon arrival, should they have a television in their room; notes that hotels and guesthouses already benefit from TV licence concessions; further notes that many women in such a distressed and displaced position are particularly reliant upon television, especially to entertain their children; believes that women who have fled a violent partner should not feel threatened by an enforcement officer arriving unannounced at the refuge, as violent men stalking their ex-partners often pose as officials to gain access to properties; expresses concern that funds from organisations which run refuge centres are being diverted to pay for television licences; and therefore calls for women's refuge centres to be included in the same television licence fee scheme as the hospitality industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 23, Conservative 4, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.