Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Friday, 28 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 April 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 21 April 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Domestic Violence: Immigration

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial support is available to spouses and their dependants who are seeking leave to remain on basis of the domestic violence rule.

Answer: Victims of domestic violence who apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the domestic violence rule may qualify for assistance under specific legislation and can also access housing related support services funded by the Supporting People Grant.In February 2006 the Home Office wrote to all local authorities in England, outlining the position of women who have no recourse to public funds and how local authorities can help and support these women within existing legislation, for example, under the Children Act 1989, the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 and the Local Government Act 2000.We will shortly be announcing details of a new scheme where victims of domestic violence with no recourse to public funds may be eligible to receive support for their housing and living costs. Under the new scheme victims of domestic violence whose applications for (ILR) are successful may qualify for a contribution towards these costs.

Secondary information