MP hopes Ministers note Commons vote as ‘Panic Rooms’ hit the national headlines

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Moor View, is hoping that Government Ministers will think carefully about exempting panic and safe rooms from the bedroom tax, as the issue made national news today.

Ms Seabeck’s 10 minute rule bill on this issue received its 2nd reading unopposed in April and she is hoping that Ministers will take note of that fact as a mother and her son have their case considered in the High Court today.

The High Court is considering a judicial review challenge from a women, known as “A” to protect her identity, who has experienced sexual violence, assault and been stalked by an ex-partner.

Safe rooms are often fitted with reinforced doors, bolts on windows and fireproofing, to provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence in their own home. They also often have a panic button so that victims can alert the police in an emergency. However thanks to the bedroom tax, victims of domestic violence who claim housing benefit now have to pay for these rooms as they are seen as a ‘spare room’.

Alison Seabeck said: “The evil bedroom tax is causing misery for hundreds of families, and in particular is forcing some victims of domestic violence to choose between safety or feeding their family, as they have to pay to keep their panic room or move to a smaller property which may not be fitted with the relevant safety features. It is an outrage that panic rooms are being considered as spare bedrooms and I really hope that the High Court and Ministers carefully consider the case today and the vote in the commons back in April.

“Even Lid Dem MP’s who originally supported the bedroom tax have seen sense supported my 10 minute rule motion and now I hope Ministers will do the same and exempt victims of domestic violence.

“Labour will go one step further and completely repeal this evil tax on struggling families, but exempting victims of domestic violence would at least be a welcome step.”