The Civil Partnership Act (CPA) takes effect
in the very near future on 5 December 2005.
The Act allows same-sex couples to make a
formal legal commitment to each other by entering
into a civil partnership through a registration
process. A range of important rights and responsibilities
will flow from this including legal rights
and protections. With effect from 5 December
2005 registered same-sex couples will be treated
in the same way as married couples for tax
purposes.
A publicity campaign has been launched to
tell people what they need to know about civil
partnerships. The new guidance covers:
-
how to register a partnership
-
where to get more information
on pensions and tax
-
new responsibilities
in the treatment of social security benefits
and child support
-
information for couples
who have already registered their partnerships
abroad.
If you are an employer you may need to consider
updating your equal opportunities policies
as well as reviewing benefits and pension
schemes.
Internet links:
To read the news release announcing the guidance
go to:
News
release
The information booklet can be downloaded
by going to:
Information
booklet
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