TELEVISION LICENCE FEE AND DOMESTIC ABUSE REFUGES

Early day motion 486, tabled 5 December 2007 by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 72 members.

That this House expresses concern that women who move into women's refuges to escape domestic abuse are responsible for purchasing a full-price television licence should they wish to use a television in their room; notes that hotels and guesthouses benefit from a TV licence concession; further notes that many women in such a distressed and displaced position are particularly reliant upon television, especially to entertain their children; believes that normal means of enforcement by TV licence officers are inappropriate at refuges where women have fled violent partners and where anonymity is vital for their safety; expresses concern that funds from organisations which run refuges are being diverted to pay for television licences; and therefore calls for women's refuges to be included in the same television licence fee scheme as the hospitality industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 23, Conservative 7, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.