More unmarried couples have babies

The majority of babies in 2016 will be brought into the world by a mother who is not married, figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest. The number of newborn babies with unmarried parents reached 47.5% for the first time in 2012. The proportion was just 25% in 1988 and as low as 11% in 1979. Only 4% of parents were not married in 1938, when ONS records began. It is predicted the figure will rise beyond 50% in three years’ time. Tim Loughton, a former children’s minister, said unmarried people “drift in and out of relationships very easily”. He told the Daily Telegraph:

“In families where parents break up children do less well at school, are more likely to suffer mental health problems and are more likely to have substance abuse problems. The Government needs to send a very clear message that it supports marriage. That’s why married tax breaks are so important.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to bring in legislation before 2013 is out so married couples can save £150 in tax. He has been under pressure to include marriage in the tax system.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790058 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.