A RELATIONSHIP charity in Swindon is calling on the government to consider the impact new policies have on family relationships, after it was revealed that money worries are the biggest strain for couples.

The annual study of more than 6,000 people in the UK was published this week by charities Relate, Relationships Scotland and Marriage Care.

The Way We Are Now 2015 suggests money worries are a critical issue in relationships, particularly for those with children.

UK-wide figures show those with children are far more likely to cite money worries as one of the biggest strains on their relationships, compared to those without.

This is backed up by Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon’s work, with family finances frequently discussed in the counselling rooms.

Now, the Swindon-based arm of the charity wants policy makers to consider the consequences of their actions on family relationships.

The national statistics also paints a picture of families with young children feeling the squeeze.

One in three parents of under-fives said childcare and bringing up children was one of the top three strains on relationships.

Additionally, 37 per cent of those in full or part-time employment agreed work interferes with home life, personal life and caring responsibilities, compared to 27 per cent of workers without children.

Ellaine Cameron, centre manager at Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon, said: “This study provides a unique insight into the state of the nation’s relationships.

"It shows that, despite the improving economic climate, money worries still loom large for many – particularly those with children.

“Relationships are the lifeblood of a thriving society, meaning that supporting strong relationships should be everybody’s business.

"We are calling for the government to robustly implement its ‘Family Test’, forcing policy makers to think about the impact of new policies on families like those who took part in our study."

“We also suggest that anyone worried about the impact of financial pressures on their relationships opens up about what’s happening and gets some support if needed.”

The study also found that almost one in 10 people living in the south west said they have no close friends, but more than half of those quizzed said that sharing problems was one of the most important factors in showing commitment in a relationship.