‘Astonishing!’ Fury that men with multiple wives are allowed to claim extra state benefits
The Conservatives have vowed to ban husbands with multiple wives from claiming extra welfare benefits, closing a loophole that costs taxpayers thousands
Whately: Welfare should reflect British values (Image: Getty)
Husbands with more than one wife will be banned from claiming additional benefits should the Conservative Party return to government.
The policy, which would see welfare restrictions for polygamous families, follows an exposé by this paper.
It revealed that husbands living with multiple wives were able to claim thousands of pounds a year in extra welfare payments, far more than those available to a couple.
Polygamous marriages cannot be legally entered into in the United Kingdom, but should they be performed overseas in a country where they are legal, they are recognised here.
The loophole means that the additional spouse, or spouses, can claim extra welfare payments on top of the standard rate for couples.
New analysis by the Conservative Party has revealed that a home with one husband and four wives would claim up to £78,229 per year – £29,406 more than a standard couple.
It even shows that a household with eleven wives could claim a shocking £170,175 per annum.
Now new plans by the Conservatives will close the loophole, by ending the designated uplifts in legacy benefits and bringing the rules into line with Universal Credit.
It is the latest policy from the party aimed at restricting welfare and social housing access for non-British citizens.
One husband and four wives claims £78,229 yearly (Image: Getty)
Helen Whately MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “We do not recognise polygamous marriages in the UK, so our benefits system should not support them either. This is common sense.
“Conservatives will close this loophole. Our welfare state should reflect British values of equality between men and women, fairness for taxpayers, and respect for the law.”
Tax campaigners welcomed the move, with William Yarwood of the TaxPayers’ Alliance telling the Daily Express: “Taxpayers will be astonished that welfare loopholes still allow extra payments for additional spouses in polygamous households.
“Most people will struggle to understand why taxpayers are funding arrangements that cannot legally be entered into in the UK.
“Closing this loophole is a sensible step that would restore fairness and common sense to the welfare system.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “We believe very few, if any, polygamous households claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or any benefit support.
“Our immigration rules have generally prevented the formation of polygamous households in this country since 1988, and benefit support is only available where the marriage took place in a country where it is legal.
“There are robust rules in place which means there is no financial benefit for polygamous households, to ensure fairness across our benefit system.”
