MARRIED couples would get a tax and benefits boost potentially worth thousands of pounds a year under a Conservative plan to avert family breakdown.

A policy review commissioned by Tory leader David Cameron called for spouses to be allowed to transfer unused tax allowances to their partner.

The Conservative social justice policy group said this would be worth £20 a week to one-earner households. It also suggests raising couples' allowances through working tax credits. This could give up to 1.8 million couples an additional £32 a week.

Rob Hitchman, 24, of Elm Road, Shoebury, who has an 18-month-old son with his fiancee, said: "I think it's a really good idea to give married couples tax breaks."

Tanya Jaggers, 24, of London Road, Westcliff, has a six-year-old son, Kieran, and lives on £90 a week benefit and child support.

She said: "It will force people into marriage even though they are not right for each other. This will lead to a rise in the divorce rate and unhappy children."

Reg Humberstone, 75, of Warren Drive, Wickford, said: "It's a good thing if it does what it's meant to do.

"However, I don't think young people should be given too many handouts because overcoming struggles is what life is all about."