Resolution, the family justice campaign body, has slammed the Government’s decision to reject a recommendation to reform cohabitation law in England and Wales.
The government has today (1 Nov) rejected several recommendations made by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Select Committee in its report on The Rights of Cohabiting Partners. Resolution provided evidence to the committee during its inquiry.
Amongst the proposals rejected includes a key recommendation to establish an opt-out cohabitation scheme.
Graeme Fraser, Chair of Resolution’s Cohabitation Committee, said:
“We are bitterly disappointed that the Government has today rejected any meaningful action that would give cohabiting couples the basic legal protections they urgently require.
“The lack of rights for cohabiting couples means millions of people – often women and others in society who are vulnerable – are at significant financial risk if their relationship ends or their partner passes away.
“Having bad laws is generally a bad thing for families. Current cohabitation laws are unfair, not fit for purpose and consign too many families to misery and dire financial hardship. It will continue to do so until it has been reformed, exacerbated by the significant numbers who continue to cohabit.
“Resolution members have campaigned for the law to change for many years. We will continue to campaign to achieve fairness underlining our members’ approach to resolving issues for all families in a constructive way.”
