Around 1,000 men and their illegal multiple wives are thought to be claiming welfare benefits in Britain

The polygamous families could be costing the British taxpayer millions of pounds a year by pocketing everything from dole cash to housing costs. But the British Government has said it will not stop the controversial payments until 2013, when it will officially no longer accept group marriages for welfare handouts. Polygamy is not recognised in Britain but was allowed within the benefits system under the former Labor administration. Tory MP Philip Hollobone blasted: “I can’t see why we have to wait until 2013 to stop this scandal." Many Britons will be surprised to find out that polygamous marriage, which is illegal, is represented in the benefits system. Tory MP Priti Patel added: “This is yet another example of how our system is being abused and this will appal all hard-pressed taxpayers.” Immigration minister Chris Grayling admitted that he had no idea how many polygamous families are on welfare. He said that they are allowed to claim handouts including income support, housing benefit and child support. Polygamy is practised by some Muslims and is common in Africa.