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Jo SwinsonLib Dem MP for East Dunbartonshire |
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Should the government provide tax breaks for married couples?
Thank you to everyone who took part in my most recent e-consultation : Should the government provide tax breaks for married couples?
With more than 140 replies the results were very much in favour of such tax breaks.
- 67% of those polled answered Yes
- 33% of those polled answered No
Common arguments for the proposal were:
- Children whose parents are married are more likely to do well educationally and emotionally
- The institution of marriage encourages a stable family life laying a foundation for the future of the children
- Married parents are less likely to split in the years following the birth of children providing longer term stability
- Any tax relief would be beneficial to couples considering having a family as it's such a costly exercise
Common arguments against the proposal included:
- Tax breaks should be given to help all children, not just based on individual parents' situations
- More emphasis should be placed on parents' responsibility to provide for their children, a responsibility which should be shared by both parents throughout a child's upbringing
- Couples, married or otherwise, who wish to have children should take responsibility for them and not expect assistance from elsewhere
- Tax breaks should not be paid for by those who do not have children
A few of the responders noted that the extra tax relief would be welcomed by those working parents who had chosen partnership rather than the conventional marriage.
Overall, the consultation proved to be a fascinating indicator of public opinion on this issue, with passionate arguments submitted for and against the proposition. There is an understandably high level of support for marriage as an institution, and a recognition that having children places great financial strain on a family.
I am extremely grateful to everyone who voted, and to those who replied with comments.
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