CITIZENS Advice workers have been inundated with enquiries from same sex couples looking to be recognised as married.
New laws which allow gay couples the same legal rights as heterosexual pairings have triggered a flood of calls to Citizen Advice Bureau offices in Crewe and Nantwich.
Callers have been keen to learn more about the Civil Partnership Act which gives gay and lesbian people equal rights over issues such as property, tax and pensions.
The act comes into force on December 5 and Crewe Register Office has already received more than 30 requests from gay couples looking to exchange vows.
Register office staff are to be trained in how to fill in forms and conduct the ceremonies.
The CAB has issued guidance to help same sex couples learn more about the Act.
District manager Wendy Tozer, who covers Crewe and Nantwich, said: 'Many people are celebrating the changes to their rights, which will mean same-sex couples can get legal recognition for their relationship by registering a Civil Partnership.
'Under the new law they will have the same legal benefits and tax rights as heterosexual married couples. They will usually be accepted as their partner's next-of-kin and be eligible for pension benefits.
'But it remains a complex area and we are concerned many people are not fully aware of the implications.
'If a person lives with their same-sex partner, their rights may be affected whether or not they choose to enter into a Civil Partnership.
'In fact, in some cases, same sex friends may also be treated as a couple, even if they're not.
'We see cases of friends who live together being treated as a couple for benefits purposes.'
The changes will mean some couples claiming pensions or welfare benefits may see entitlements change.
Instead of claiming individually, same-sex couples who live together will be treated as a couple not as two single people, even if they do not register a Civil Partnership.
Benefit entitlements will be affected because the income and savings of both partners will be taken into account when working out benefit claims.
Wendy added: 'We're pleased to see this change in the law but we do urge people who live together as a couple, whether or not they intend to register a Civil Partnership, to seek advice as soon as possible regarding the changes.'
A new factsheet is available from the CAB offices Delamere Street, Crewe and Beam Street, Nantwich.
Information is also available under 'What's New' on the CAB website at www. adviceguide.org.uk HELP ON HAND: Wendy Tozer of the CAB which is advising gay couples on their rights under the new Civil Partnership Act. TJ240105CAB-002
