The Work and Pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, has urged the Prime Minister today to recognise marriage in the tax system in an effort to encourage ‘couple formation’ and stable families.
The Prime Minister had pledged to introduce a tax incentive for married couples before the last election but has not, as yet, implemented the policy.
Mr Duncan Smith, who set up the Centre for Social Justice while in opposition in an effort to address the problems of ‘broken Britain,’ sees the family as a foundational element to a stable society.
Addressing the Conservative party conference today, he highlighted the need to address the “bias” against married couples.
He said:
“I intend for our welfare reforms to make an impact on the couple penalty where it matters most – amongst families on the lowest incomes.
“Furthermore, the Prime Minister has made it clear that in this Parliament the Government will recognise marriage in the tax system.”
As part of his speech, Mr Duncan Smith argued that the August riots demonstrated that a new way of addressing social breakdown is required, with the family central to that solution.
“The riots provided a moment of clarity for us all, a reminder that a strong economy requires a strong social settlement, with stable families ready to play a productive role in their communities,” he said.
He also defended his proposed policy by saying: “This isn’t about Government interfering in family life; it’s about Government recognising that stable two parent families are vital for the creation of a strong society. It’s about parents taking responsibility for their children.
“It is about government realising that we have to create a level playing field for the decisions people make about family. This means reversing the biases against stability we’ve seen in recent years, including the damaging financial discouragement to couple formation, despite the evidence of its stable outcomes for children.”
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented:
“The family is indeed the bedrock of a stable and successful society. It is high time the Government implemented policies which promote marriage and the family.
“I welcome the sentiment of Mr Duncan Smith’s speech and hope that the Prime Minister will honour the commitment he made to grant a tax break to married couples.”
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