§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 12 November,Official Report, column 200, regarding exemptions from 364W the poll tax for certain hostels providing accommodation and care, whether Women's Aid refuges will be included in the exemption category; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe exemption for residents of caring institutions will not apply to women's refuges. Refuges are not analogous to the hostels which provide a substantial degree of care, and whose residents will be exempt. Help will be available to women on low income in refuges, through the community charge rebate system and the uprating of benefit.