Labour’s latest inheritance reform would automatically give more than 3.5 million cohabiting couples a share of a partner’s home and finances if one dies without a will. The proposal, launched in a UK government consultation, also allows separated unmarried couples to claim part of a house sale for the first time . Pro‑marriage campaigners argue the move could erode the value of marriage and drive up family breakdowns, while the Ministry of Justice defends it as a reflection of modern society.

£64 Billion Taxpayer Cost Tied to Family Breakdown Claims

Dr Harry Benson, research director of the Marriage Foundation, warned that the reforms could cost taxpayers an estimated £64 billion by increasing family breakdowns. according to the think tank’s research, family breakdown has risen fivefold since the 1970s, largely driven by the collapse of unmarried families with children. Benson called the plans "both foolish and fundamentally flawed," citing record levels of teenage children not living with both natural parents as a sign of the problem.

3.5 Million Cohabiting Couples Would Gain Automatic Inheritance Rights

The government’s consultation states that any couple who shares a child or has lived together for at least three years can automatically receive a share of the deceased partner’s estate,provided they can convince a court they are in an "enduring family relationship." This would be the first time unmarried couples could access a portion of proceeds from a house sale after separation.

Justice Secretary David Lammy Defends Balance Between Tradition and Modernity

In response to criticism, Justice Secretary David Lammy said the reforms strike a balance between tradition and modernity.. He argued that the new rights for unmarried couples are distinct from those of married couples, aiming to preserve the sanctity of marriage while ensuring the justice system works for everyone. The Ministry of Justice insists the changes better reflect modern society.

Pro‑Marriage Groups Warn of Downgrading Marriage’s Importance

Pro‑marriage groups have expressed deep concern that the changes will downgrade the importance of marriage, arguing that the government fails to promote its benefits. they fear the reforms will discourage commitment and lead to more avoidable breakdowns , echoing the Marriage Foundation’s earlier findings that unmarried families with children are a primary driver of family breakdown.

Who Will Be Able to Claim a Share of a House Sale?

Under the new rules, unmarried couples who separate could for the first time access a portion of proceeds from a house sale. Eligibility requires the couple to have lived together for at least three years and share a child, and they must convince a court they are in an "enduring family relationship." The exact percentage of the sale proceeds that would be claimable remains unspecified in the current consultation.