Multiple benefits for multiple wives in Britain

London, Feb 3 (UNI) Men with multiple wives in Britain can now claim extra welfare benefits following a year-long Government review.

New guidelines on income support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state, ''Where there is a valid polygamous marriage the claimant and one spouse will be paid the couple rate. The amount payable for each additional spouse is presently 33.65 pounds.'' Income support for all of the wives may be paid directly into the husband's bank account, if the family so choose.

Under the deal agreed by ministers, a husband with multiple wives may also be eligible for additional housing benefit and council tax benefit to reflect the larger property needed for his family, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Even though bigamy is a crime in the country, the decision by ministers means that polygamous marriages can now be recognised formally by the state, so long as the weddings took place in countries where the arrangement is legal.

The outcome will chiefly benefit Muslim men with more than one wife, as is permitted under Islamic law.

The decision has been condemned by the Tories, who accused the Government of setting a precedent that would lead to demands for further changes in British law.

UNI XC SKB AS1841