BLACKBURN MP Kate Hollern is calling for the government to clarify rules on transferring lifetime tenancies for victims of domestic abuse.

Mrs Hollern, who is a shadow minister for communities and local government, asked when plans to set out the circumstances under which local authorities may exercise discretion in transferring lifetime tenancies for those seeking to escape domestic abuse would be published.

In a written response, Marcus Jones, parliamentary under-secretary for the department for local communities and local government, said: "Our Manifesto included a commitment to ensure that those who have a lifetime tenancy and flee domestic violence are able to secure a new lifetime tenancy automatically. We are currently working on how we can deliver this, and an announcement will be made in due course."

He added they have also secured a dedicated fund or £40 million over for years for refuge provision and other specialist accommodation.