Report comment

"Resolution proposes a legal framework of rights and responsibilities when unmarried couples who live together split up. This would also secure 'fair outcomes' when couples separate or one partner dies.

Cohabitants who meet certain eligibility criteria indicating a committed relationship would have a right to apply for certain financial orders if they separate. This right would be automatic unless the couple chooses to 'opt out'."

I'm note sure it is a good idea to erode further the distinction between marriage and co-habiting. One can encourage co-habitees to have some form of written agreement about property owned together, and respective contributions to living costs, but the closer marriage and co-habiting get in practical terms, the more likely a government looking behind the sofa for cash will decide that the various tax breaks married couples get should fade away.