UK Tories Seek Ban on Welfare for Polygamous Marriages

The Conservative Party in the UK is pushing for new legislation to ban the recognition of polygamous marriages within the nation's welfare system, aiming to stop taxpayer funds from supporting individuals with multiple spouses.

Conservative frontbencher Richard Holden introduced a Private Member's Bill, the Social Security (Marriage) Bill, which seeks to close a loophole that allows certain polygamous marriages, conducted legally abroad, to be recognized for benefit purposes. This can result in welfare payments, such as pension credit and housing benefit, being extended to additional spouses.

Mr. Holden stated in the House of Commons that the bill is intended to "correct an extraordinary fault within our welfare system," describing the situation as "bizarre and indefensible." He urged the government to support the bill, emphasizing that public funds should not be used to "pay for cultural practices which are illegal in our country."

"Surely it is insane that our welfare rules make special provision for men with many wives," Holden argued. He also highlighted concerns about overseas marriages between close relatives, such as uncles and nieces, which are illegal in the UK but may be recognized for welfare purposes if conducted in countries where they are permitted.

While all marriages conducted within the UK must be monogamous, polygamous marriages performed in countries that allow them can be considered valid in the UK. For these marriages, means-tested benefits and tax credits (excluding Universal Credit) can be awarded for more than one spouse, though typically at a reduced rate compared to a separate claim.

Data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicates that very few households, fewer than 10 according to recent housing benefit data, are recorded as being in a polygamous marriage formed overseas. A DWP spokesperson affirmed that "robust rules are in place which means there is no financial benefit for polygamous households, to ensure fairness across our benefit system." The department also noted that immigration rules have largely prevented the formation of polygamous households in the UK since 1988.