LANCASTER City Council could become one of the first in the country to set up a 'civil partnership register' for gay and unmarried couples.

The idea, which is being pioneered in London, is intended to ensure that couples who are not married will eventually receive the same rights in areas such as taxation and pensions.

A register would not have any immediate effect in law, but in future, registers are expected to be used as evidence in settling legal disputes.

The Greater London Authority set up its partnership register last September and allows couples to register for a £85 fee.

Manchester City Council also set up a similar system last year, with a private company given a licence to provide partnership ceremonies.

Cllr David Whittaker has put forward the idea.

In a letter to the council's chief executive, he said: "The register would ensure rights for both gay partnerships and unmarried couples and ensure they are the same as married couples.

"As an authority we should set up a partnership register and recognise the rights of such relationships as service providers.

"If we adopt a partnership register the anomalies that have caused distress to relationships outside common marriage will be curbed."

A bill is to go before the House of Commons next month, which would see the partnership, register system legally recognised.

Members of the council's external affairs review board are due to discuss the issue at a meeting today (Thursday).

It is expected to be referred to the diversity task group.