MP Aims to Axe Benefits Payout for Multi-Wives

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Conservative MP Richard Holden has introduced a bill to stop men with multiple wives from claiming extra welfare benefits for their spouses and to ban recognition of certain close-relative overseas marriages for welfare purposes. The proposal aims to close legal loopholes that allow such claims, but faces scrutiny as the Department for Work and Pensions states current rules already restrict these benefits, with a parliamentary vote pending.

A new private members’ bill introduced by Richard Holden, Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, aims to prevent men with multiple wives from receiving additional welfare benefits for their spouses. The proposed legislation, supported by several prominent Conservative MPs including Kemi Badenoch, Helen Whately, Claire Coutinho, Laura Trott, and Tom Tugendhat, also seeks to prohibit the recognition of certain overseas marriages between close relatives, such as those between an uncle and niece, for welfare purposes.

Currently, a legal gap allows men in polygamous marriages to claim pension credit and housing benefit payments for more than one spouse. Analysis indicates that a polygamous household can receive £363.25 per week in pension credit for the claimant and their first spouse, with an additional £125.25 per week available for each further spouse. There is presently no defined limit on the number of spouses eligible to claim these benefits.

Holden defended the initiative by emphasizing the financial strain on families amid rising living costs, stating that households should not bear the burden of supporting men with multiple wives through public funds.

The bill’s scope extends beyond polygamous unions to include a ban on the recognition of overseas marriages involving close kinship ties, regarded as incestuous under UK law. Supporters argue that this measure will close loopholes that allow welfare claims based on such relationships.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maintains that existing regulations already prevent polygamous households from gaining undue financial advantage. A DWP spokesperson highlighted that immigration rules have limited the formation of polygamous families since 1988, and welfare support is only available when the marriage occurred in a country where polygamy is legally recognized. According to the department, very few, if any, polygamous households currently receive benefits in the UK.

The forthcoming parliamentary vote will determine whether the proposed restrictions on benefit claims and marriage recognition are enacted into law.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.