News: 6th February 2013

Plans to introduce a tax break for married couples will not be introduced in next month's Budget, but will be put in place before the end of the current parliament.

That is according to a government source speaking to BBC News, who was responding to speculation that ministers would introduce the break to appease those who were opposed to same-sex marriage - on which a vote was held in the Commons last night (February 5th).

The tax break would see one member of a married couple or civil partnership who stays at home able to move £750 of their personal allowance to their working partner, therefore saving the couple money.

"It won't be in the Budget but it will be in this parliament. This Budget obviously, with all that has happened in recent weeks and months, will be very much focused on growth in the economy," the source told the news provider.

Ministers voted in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill yesterday with a majority of 225 votes.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher