TELEVISION LICENCE FEE AND DOMESTIC ABUSE REFUGES

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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.