Millions of unmarried couples to get stronger rights through major new reforms 

Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass:

Economic Abuse in Later Life Can Cost Victims Everything - Hourglass urges caution as Government consults on relationship law reform.

Hourglass welcomes the Government’s proposed reforms to strengthen financial protections for people leaving relationships and to better recognise the impact of domestic and economic abuse, while warning of the devastating impact of economic abuse for older victim-survivors.

For many, economic abuse in later life can be every bit as devastating as physical violence, leaving people trapped in harmful situations, isolated from support, or facing financial insecurity at a stage of life when recovery can be particularly difficult. It is particularly encouraging to see greater recognition of the role coercive control and economic abuse can play in financial settlements.

“Older victim-survivors often face unique challenges when rebuilding their lives after abuse. The loss of savings, pensions, property or other assets accumulated over decades can have life-changing consequences. Unlike younger victims, many have limited opportunities to recover financially, rebuild their independence, or replace what has been lost. Any future reforms must recognise the profound and long-lasting impact economic abuse can have on older people.

“It will also be vital to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place around any automatic inheritance rights. Hourglass regularly supports older people who have experienced exploitation through coercive relationships, including romance fraud and other forms of economic abuse. While bereaved partners should be protected from hardship, the law must also guard against creating opportunities for those seeking to exploit vulnerable older people through coercion, manipulation or fraud.

“We look forward to engaging with the consultation to ensure the needs and experiences of older victim-survivors are fully recognised and reflected in any future reforms.”

Please find below links to the original statement and the consultation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-of-unmarried-couples-to-get-stronger-rights

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-fairer-end-to-relationships