UK ‘has more one-parent families’

Campaigners have renewed their calls for tax breaks for married couples after EU figures showed Britain has amongst the highest number of one-parent families. About 20% of children live with either their mother or father, a figure which is far higher than in Germany, France and the countries of Scandinavia. Researcher Patricia Morgan said the number of one-parent families in other major European countries was lower because married couples receive help from governments through their tax and benefit systems. ‘In France, people get help if they draw up legal family contracts,” Ms Morgan said. “In Germany, Holland and Italy, married people get tax relief and tax relief for children.” As well as having among the lowest number of married families, there are fewer stable cohabiting relationships in the UK compared with other EU nations. Conservative MPs are keen to see tax breaks for married couples but Deputy PM Nick Clegg, leader of the Lib Dems, recently warned against such a move. He said “strong relationships between parents are important” but it is not the job of the Government to favour a particular type of family. Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790000 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.