Relationship breakdown to cost economy £50 billion

The Relationships Alliance, a new group of politicians and charities, is warning that relationship breakdown will cost the UK economy almost £50bn this year. It says the disintegration of romantic, social and family relationships costs the average taxpayer around £1,500 per year.

Politicians from across all parties have now backed a set of recommendations designed to tackle the problem, including the government creating a ‘national relationship strategy’ and helping people at key points dubbed "life transition points" such as marriage and retirement.

Ruth Sutherland, chief executive of the Relate charity which is part of the alliance, said: “Relationship breakdown has far-reaching effects for our society, both financial and social. One cannot be treated in isolation from the other and the country can ill afford either."

If you’d like information on divorce, separation or relationship breakdown please contact Alistair Dobson at Lawson-West on 01858 445 480.

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