HOMOSEXUAL cohabiting couples living in Swindon could have their relationships formally recognised after a campaigning councillor urged the authority to create a civic register acknowledging the fact.

Swindon Council has in effect agreed to look at the proposal although mayor, Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe), warned councillors there would be financial implications involved in setting up the register.

At last night's Full Council meeting Martin Wiltshire (Lib Dem, Eastcott) put forward a motion for the council to recognise the partnership and commitment status of same-sex and opposite-sex relationships in a move mirroring other authorities across the South West. His motion was seconded by Wendy Johnson (Lib Dem, Old Town and Lawns).

Coun Wiltshire believes that Swindon could lag behind other West towns and cities like Bath and Bristol if it fails to adopt the register. He said: "I looked into it and found that other councils have adopted the register and think it's a good idea we adopt it.

"It's important and financially there are no implications on other budget areas.

"I personally know of half-a-dozen gay couples living together in the borough. Swindon Council has a commitment to equality and this motion is part of that commitment."

The motion is now in the council's complicated committee loop and will be presented and discussed at the authority's decision-making cabinet, probably sometime in September, where a final decision will be made.

The register is in effect a formal alternative to marriage for homosexual couples and fulfils the basic requirement of embracing all relationships.

Coun Wiltshire's motion is separate, but not too far removed, from the Government's civil partnership bill, which would give same-sex couples legal rights.

The bill, which is currently at the consultation stage in parliament, would give gay couples joint state pension benefits, next-of-kin status, parental responsibility for each other's children and recognition for inheritance.