Plymouth Live
·Aug 2026
Plymouth Moor View tops the South West for disability benefit claims
Plymouth Moor View has the highest proportion of Personal Independence Payment claimants in South West England, with 13.2% of working-age adults receiving the benefit. Across England and Wales, PIP claims have doubled since 2019, surpassed four million recipients, and are increasingly linked to psychiatric disorders, which account for 39% of claims. The figures highlight pronounced regional disparities, with higher claimant rates in northern England and Wales than in London and southern England. The report also addresses criticism from Jeremy Clarkson, explains that PIP is a non-means-tested benefit intended to cover disability-related extra costs, and notes the Timms Review’s conclusion that the assessment system causes severe distress. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for major social care changes while supporting opportunities and mental-health assistance for young people.