BASINGSTOKE'S MP has praised a government bill designed to help victims of domestic violence.

Maria Miller has welcomed the Secure Tenancies (Victims of Domestic Abuse) Bill which MPs debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday last week.

The Bill, which was introduced by the government and has received cross-party support ensures that someone who has a “lifetime tenancy”, which is a guarantee of housing provided by a local authority or housing association, would keep that guarantee if they were forced to leave their home because of domestic abuse and would be given a lifetime tenancy in their new home.

Maria said “During the debate we heard a great deal from the minister to give us reassurance about how much work the government have done to ensure that this Bill is the best that it can be and that it further supports victims of domestic violence—something that this government have made a huge priority.

"We should use every sinew in our body to improve the lives of victims of domestic violence. I welcome this Bill and support the minister on all that she is doing to ensure that the situation for victims of domestic violence improves ever further.”