A measure that would permit one stay-at-home member of a married couple or civil partnership to be able to move £750 of their tax-free personal allowance to their working partner – thereby reducing their tax bill – is likely to be introduced before 2015.

However, there had been speculation that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, would bring in the tax break earlier than planned to appease Conservative backbenchers who are opposed to gay marriage, reports the BBC.

But it is understood the measure will not feature in the next Budget, which is due to take place on 20 March.

The Commons is set to vote on Tuesday on the government’s plans for gay marriage.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill would enable same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies, where a religious institution had formally consented, in England and Wales.

It would also allow couples who have previously entered into civil partnerships to convert their relationship into a marriage.