Lazio is preparing new measures for common law couples, with a view to recognising their civil and social rights. A sign of the times, the memorandum approved on 13 December commits Lazio to safeguarding non-traditional families that can prove emotional bonds and stable co-habitation. Councillor for social policy, Alessandra Mandarelli, now has a mandate to include this legal measure in the next regional budget. Benefits once set aside for traditional nuclear families interest-free loans, tax incentives, housing assistance, help with paying gas, electricity and water bills, and partial reimbursement of community/refuse charges will now be extended to common law couples. At the very least, comparable assistance schemes will be set up. We are proud, says regional budget councillor, Luigi Neri, to fight against every kind of discrimination and to recognise the economic and social rights of people regardless of the bond of marriage.