| Marriage...or not . |
| The issue: |
The Conservative party have proposed a subsidy, in the form of a tax break to people who are married but not to couples who live together because they love each other.
Its a misleading impression to believe that married couples are happier than those who are not. Of the 50% of marriages which do not break-up, it is highly likely that one or the other, (females more likely) would separate if the situation was different, like having equal finance. I am sure many unhappy marriages, often affecting children, have no future, so separation should be easier, without a financial penalty.
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| Date Issue Raised: |
18 Jan 2010 |
| My response: |
Many thanks for the email. This country is unusual in not recognising marriage in the tax system. Egypt and Mexico are, I believe, the only other developed countries that do this. So our proposal would bring us more into line with the majority of our European neighbours.
I think it legitimate for a political party to say that it believes marriage is an institution that brings cohesion and stability to our society, and that it is appropriate to reflect that view through the tax system. I don’t believe that holding that view is inconsistent with saying that there are other stable relationships which also provide a good upbringing for children.
Best wishes, George Young
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Sir George Young Bt MP: Constituency and Parliamentary Website 