How a rise in ADHD benefits claims is adding to Andy Burnham's welfare challenge
Summary
The UK’s welfare spending on sickness and disability benefits has been rising steadily, reaching £58 billion in 2025 and expected to hit £78 billion by 2030. A significant increase in Personal Independent Payments (PIP) claims is linked to more people being diagnosed with ADHD and other mental health conditions.Key Facts
- Andy Burnham plans to reduce the UK’s welfare bill by encouraging more people to work.
- The sickness and disability benefits bill for working-age people is currently £58 billion and projected to rise to £78 billion by 2030.
- Personal Independent Payments (PIP) help cover extra costs for physical or mental health conditions and disabilities.
- PIP claims in England and Wales increased from 3.6 million to 4 million since Labour took office.
- Claims related to mental health or developmental conditions like ADHD rose from 16.5% in 2020 to 24% in 2026.
- Over 100,000 people currently receive PIP for ADHD, up 40% since Labour became the government.
- Half of the people claiming PIP for ADHD are aged 16 to 24.
- The rise in ADHD claims is partly due to better diagnosis and more people seeking support.
- The overall share of non-pensioner welfare spending has fallen since 2010 due to cuts in benefits like housing and Universal Credit.
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