On 3 July, Alistair Lexden introduced a short Private Member’s Bill in the Lords where it was given its formal First Reading. The Bill would extend the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to include siblings aged over thirty who have lived together for a continuous period of twelve years.
Brothers and sisters in such committed, platonic relationship— and indeed many other long-term co-habitees—can be hit hard because they are denied all legal safeguards and fiscal protections. The rights available under the Civil Partnership Act are vital to give security to every co-habitee, particularly the right to inherit a joint tenancy or a jointly owned home free of inheritance tax.
Catherine Utley who shares a home with her sister Virginia has been prominent for some years in a campaign to bring about change. She gave the Bill a warm welcome, describing it as “a first step towards ending the current mindless discrimination against all those who choose to live together in platonic relationships”.
Although a large number of Private Member’s Bills have been introduced at the start of the new Parliament, this measure stands a reasonable chance of getting a Second Reading-- when its key features can be fully discussed—since the first session of this Parliament will last for two years.
The bill itself is attached at the bottom of the page.