Urgent Call to Action – Recognising Marriage in the Tax System

We currently have a rare opportunity to see real progress on recognising marriage in the tax system – one which we may not have again for a very long time.

The Conservative General Election manifesto pledged to recognise marriage in the tax system, by allowing a non-working spouse to transfer their tax allowance to their employed husband or wife. This policy was included in the Coalition Agreement, but so far nothing has been done. Implementing it will take time, so the Government needs to act now.

We can make a difference to this situation through prayer and action!

Many MPs support recognising marriage in the tax system, but will only make this issue a priority if they know it matters to their constituents. Please contact your MP before 5 December – the date of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.

If your MP is Conservative, ask them to write to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, urging them to honour their commitment and ensure the transferable allowance for married couples is included in the resolutions that follow the March 2013 Budget. If he or she is not Conservative, simply write directly to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor making the same point.

You can also say how this issue personally affects you or someone you know. Please go to www.writetothem.com for details on how to write to your MP or findyourmp.parliament.uk to find contact details for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor.

In a speech prior to the 2010 General Election, David Cameron said: ‘...if you look around the European Union, we're almost alone in not recognising marriage in the tax system...they've got it right and we have got it wrong.'

Marriage makes a key contribution to society and it is right that the Government should recognise this. Now is the time for us to take action and ensure they do.

In His name,

Nola Leach
Head of Public Affairs

PS. To read more about why now is such a pivotal time, please visit www.care.org.uk/marriagetaxpolicy.