Oral Answers to Questions

Kate Green Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

As the Prime Minister made very clear in the 2010 general election, it is right that we recognise marriage in the tax system, and that is precisely what we have done. As my hon. Friend rightly points out, it is now possible for people to register to be able to benefit from the transferable tax allowance.

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

Does the Minister consider it either fair or socially useful that money is being spent in this way when only one in four of the couples who benefit are raising children?

[Mr Gauke]

This is about recognising marriage within the tax system, but it should also be noted that it will benefit many low-income households, including 1 million households where tax credits are claimed.