CHILDREN should be taught the difference between marriage and cohabiting, according to a Huddersfield councillor.

Clr Tony Woodhead is concerned that young people wrongly think unmarried couples have the same rights as those who have wed.

The Lindley Lib Dem said: “Half the people of Britain believe that living together confers legal rights on the couple.Š

“However, this myth has had no basis in law. Common law marriage was abolished in the 1750s, but many believe it is alive and well.

“There is a need to emphasise at an early stage in life that if the relationship ends, the courts will apply very different rules to a couple who are married than to those who are not.

“I believe this would enable youngsters to make informed decisions about their life, knowing what rights and obligations are expected from their relationship from the outset. For example, a cohabiting couple may wish to ensure they have an equal share in their house, should their relationship break down. Unmarried couples should also make wills to ensure that their wishes are taken into account.”

Clr Woodhead was speaking during National Marriage Week.