Written question asked by Esther McVey (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

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Social Security Benefits: Expenditure

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the average cost to the public purse of households in receipt of benefits made up of (a) 1 husband and 2 wives in a polygamous marriage and 6 children, (b) 1 husband and 2 wives in a polygamous marriage and 4 children, (c) 1 husband, 1 wife and 3 children, (d) a single parent with 3 children, (e) 1 husband, 1 wife and 2 children, and (f) a single parent with 2 children.