David Vance SubstackRead More
I suppose it is inevitable that as the UK Labour Government genuflects to Islam, polygamy would have to be given a pay rise! I saw to my astonishment that The Department for Work and Pensions plans to increase benefits for “additional spouses” in polygamous marriages from April 2026. Yes, really! Polygamy is a winner in the Reeves Budget.
The DWP has quietly confirmed the uplift in its 2026-2027 benefits guide. Currently, a second or third spouse over state pension age qualifies for £119.50 weekly in Pension Credit or Housing Benefit—equating to roughly £6,214 a year. Post-increase, this rises to £125.25 per week, adding £299 annually. For a full polygamous household where all members are pensioners, the base allowance jumps to £363.25 weekly, plus £125.25 for each extra spouse. Notably, there’s no cap on the number of additional partners.
Now whilst polygamy remains theoretically illegal in the UK, overseas marriages are acknowledged if conducted “legally abroad” and spouses enter independently. Since there is no way of proving either of these things, these are just words on paper,
Rachel Reeves therefor stands accused of funding “foreign nationals with multiple spouses” despite her pledges for “fair welfare”.
Benjamin Elks, grassroots development manager at The TaxPayers’ Alliance, said:
“That the British state is willing to make welfare payments to those in polygamous marriages is simply astounding. Last week, Rachel Reeves demanded taxpayers hand over more of their cash to fund the benefits bonanza she called a Budget. Little did they know some of it is going into the pockets of foreign-born nationals with multiple wives. Ministers must take immediate action to restrict benefits only to British citizens and should ban payments to anyone in polygamous marriages.”
This can be traced back to 2012 when the then Conservative led Government declared that husbands living in a “harem” with multiple wives had been cleared to claim state benefits for all their different partners. A Muslim man with four spouses – which is permitted under Islamic law – could receive £10,000 a year in income support alone. He could also be entitled to more generous housing and council tax benefit, to reflect the fact his household needs a bigger property.
So whether Conservative or Labour, it’s always bingo time for Mohammad and his wives though. They will have a great 2026 care of YOUR taxes.
