Evidence suggests that children whose parents are married tend to fare better – financially, academically and socially – than children of unmarried parents. The government is therefore proposing a tax break for married couples, whereby married couples are reimbursed by approximately £150 per person per annum. This idea is flawed for several reasons. First, it punishes those whose partners have left them and broken up the marriage. Secondly, it punishes those who, through no fault of their own, have been unable to find a partner. Thirdly, it assumes that people in unhappy relationships will persevere in their unhappy state for something like £12.50 a month. This is patently absurd. Finally, it makes the bogus assumption that maintaining a poor marriage will be better for the children than separation.