Written questions

Social Security Benefits: Polygamy

Commons · Question 4350 · Tabled 29 May 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 9 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Matt Vickers

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Government plans to amend legacy benefit regulations to remove provisions recognising additional spouses in polygamous marriages.

Answer

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms, 9 Jun 2026

Polygamous marriages are illegal in the UK. Immigration rules have generally prevented the formation of polygamous households in this country since 1988. Under successive governments access to benefit support for additional spouses is only available where...