Marriage rates in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest levels since records began in 1862. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 236,980 weddings in 2006, down 4 percent from the previous year.
At the same time, the average age for first marriages has risen to 31.8 for men and 29.7 for women.
The statistics are causing family advocates to question government tactics. Jill Kirby, director of the U.K.'s Centre for Policy Studies think tank, pointed to the welfare system and tax breaks, which penalize married couples.
"It's obviously worrying that (marriage numbers) have reached such a low ebb, but perhaps not surprising in view of the lack of government policy over the last 10 years encouraging marriage," she told the Web site icWales.
Jenny Tyree, associate marriage analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said children in the U.K. are losing their greatest source of stability and future success — married parents.
“Research says that marriage is a wealth-creating institution but that family breakup contributes substantially to a country's tax burden,” she said. “The U.K.'s leaders likely have undermined the economic success of their country by choosing not to reward the hard work of married couples.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
How is marriage faring in the U.S.?
