When couples split up, families move from one to two households. Poverty is a common outcome that affects children. Six out of ten lone parents are supported by the state compared to one out of ten couple parents. That's where most of the £50bn is spent.
Marriage rates see shocking fall, finds Marriage Foundation
Analysing the latest ONS statistics on marriage for 2013, Marriage Foundation has found: First marriage rates are now at an all-time low for brides