Tories' tax breaks for married couples - would it make you change your mind?

The_White_Horse

Labour has DESTROYED the country in so many ways. anyone who can't see this needs to be placed in a mental institution!

Pete111

Evening TWH. Sun over the yard arm yet?!

chewmylegoff

i really don't understand this policy.

if the tax break was of enough consequence to make it worthwhile people getting married then, presumably, people would get married simply to take advantage of the tax break. that would obviously defeat the purpose of "honouring" marriage with a tax break, as the point is supposed to be "we give you a tax break because we recognise the value of your commitment to each other", not "get married even if you don't really want to, so you can pay less tax".

therefore, in order for this policy not to defeat its own purpose, the tax break has to be set at an amount low enough for it to have no material effect, hence it is completely pointless.

lostinrates

Pete111 wrote: »

I know.

Saw my folks a couple of weeks back and my dad was doing that typical Daily mail reading old duffer thing about how 'in his day' things were better. In reflex I took the mick out of him for being old (which to be fair he is..)

Later I thought for a second about what has really changed in the last few decades. For me it boils down to the fact that our school kids are killing each other and it's not even a big deal anymore unless it happens in a really public place. ..

Terrifying.

DeacdeS? I'm referring to feeling safe only one decade ago really!

Pete111

lostinrates wrote: »

DeacdeS? I'm referring to feeling safe only one decade ago really!

I was thinking since 'he were a lad'!

But yes - Agree, the last few years have not been good on that front

Malcolm.

I feel people's income should remain the same whether married or not (all other things being equal).

Unfortunately the benefit and tax system distorts this, combined income is often higher if declared 'single'.

carolt

Yes, it is grotesquely unfair that currently one is penalised for (a) being in a long-term relationship and (b) not lying about it.

That if I pretended to be separated from my OH, I'd get my rent paid, my benefits paid, and wouldn't need to do any work, or even think about looking for any, until my youngest turned 7. And then, I'd only need to make a nominal effort to find work; benefits keep rolling in.

Wheras as it is I work, and work...and work.

I don't mind working to pay for my family's needs; I enjoy stretching my brain and paying my own way.

But I am damn tired of paying the way of the lazy and dishonest, too.