Chancellor George Osborne has decided to postpone the introduction of tax breaks for married couples, attracting criticism from Conservative backbenchers that he was “kowtowing” to the Liberal Democrats.
The Coalition agreement explicitly vows to recognise married couples in the tax system, but Mr Osborne has infuriated Tory MPs by refusing to introduce the measure as part of next month’s Budget.
Stuart Jackson, the Tory MP for Peterborough, said that the delay demonstrated a “failure of leadership” by Prime Minister David Cameron.
"I urge George Osborne to reconsider this decision," he said. "There is a great deal of evidence that shows marriage has many economic and other benefits to society.
"Not to introduce this feels like kowtowing to the Liberal Democrats. Our supporters say they want this, and they put us where we are. We need to deliver what they want."
Philip Davies, the Conservative MP for Shipley, told the Telegraph: "We need tax cuts to help the recovery. A transferable allowance for married couples supports the institution of marriage, making it even more laudable.
"The government should be doing more to cut public spending and cut taxes. Half of the cost of marriage tax allowances could be paid for simply by cutting aid to India."
Liberal Democrats
David Cameron and Iain Duncan-Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, have re-iterated their approval of tax breaks for married couples on several occasions; but deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg has sneered at the proposals, commenting that the government “shouldn't take a particular version of the family institution, such as the 1950s model, and try and preserve it in aspic."
Philip Hollobone, the MP for Kettering, claimed that senior Liberal Democrats were responsible for Mr Osborne’s decision, saying:
"Not for the first time, the Liberal Democrats are blocking a policy that most voters want to see introduced. It only shows how out of touch they are.
"They support things like the alternative vote and the European court of human rights, which most people do not want. Then they block a policy like this that most people support. We are running out of time to introduce this policy – any delay is a disappointment and will be seen as such by our supporters."
Comment
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:
“Marriage is a unique institution which provides the best conditions for the raising of children, and which forms the foundation of a healthy and civilised society.
“A failure to reflect this reality in public policy is contrary to the welfare of children, and will have damaging consequences for society and generations to come.”
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