Couple 'penalties' in tax and benefit system are widespread, but almost impossible to eliminate

<p>The majority of people in the UK would receive more financial support from the state if they were single (or told the authorities they were single) than if they were married or part of a cohabiting couple, according to new research, Couple Penalties and Premiums in the UK Tax and Benefit System, published today from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and funded by the Nuffield Foundation. </p>