Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the consultation into increasing inheritance rights for cohabitants will begin; when he expects it to be completed; when he expects proposals based on this consultation to be brought before Parliament; and which piece of legislation he expects the changes to be contained in.

The Government has committed to strengthening the rights of cohabitants and has launched the A Fairer End to Relationships consultation on potential reforms. This consultation includes proposed changes related to inheritance rights to ensure the law reflects modern relationships and family structures.

The consultation, and the responses received, will inform the Government’s approach. Any decision on legislation will be made following the conclusion of the consultation on 14 August 2026 and, if necessary, will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows.