The Archbishop of Canterbury has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement today that some married couples and civil partners will receive a transferable tax allowance from 2015.
Around four million couples are set to benefit from the new marriage tax allowance of £1,000 to be introduced in April 2015.
David Cameron announced that the tax break would apply if both are basic rate tax payers, meaning that it will only be available at current rates to people who earn less than £41,451 a year.
Archbishop Justin Welby said in response to the plan that the Church welcomed all support for family life.
He said in a statement: "We welcome all support for family life and we're pleased that this initiative includes both married couples and those in civil partnerships."
The scheme will make it possible for people to transfer £1,000 of their personal tax allowance to their spouse or civil partner.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Mr Cameron said: "There is something special about marriage: it's a declaration of commitment, responsibility and stability that helps to bind families.
"The values of marriage are give and take, support and sacrifice - values that we need more of in this country."
Support for marriage in the tax system was in the Conservative Party's manifesto in the last election.
The tax break is predicted to leave eligible couples £200 a year better off.
