Unmarried co-habiters to be given property rights

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They will be able to demand a share of a home if they split up and will be able to claim against their partner for a lumpsum payment, a share of a pension, or regular maintenance.

They will also be able to demand compensation for giving up a career to look after children.

The move is likely to bring accusations that the new rights will undermine the institution of marriage.

The Law Commission initially suggested there should be a time requirement, possibly of two years, to stop claims from people in short, possibly onandoff relationships, but this proposed minimum period is to be ditched.

However, the commission is expected to stress that the size, and likelihood of success of claims, will often be dependent on the length of relationships, and on whether the couple have children.

Cohabiting couples have few rights although the partner who continues to look after children is entitled to child maintenance.

The Government has signalled its support for the plans but no time has yet been earmarked to bring it in.