Study reveals around 1.3 million people are at risk of losing vital disability benefits

A new study has revealed where the cuts to disability benefits are expected to hit hardest, with some of the UK’s most deprived areas set to lose out the most as data reveals around 1.3 million people are at risk of losing vital financial support as the UK Government plans major cuts.

Opera Beds, a British manufacturer and supplier of adjustable beds, analysed mobility-limiting health conditions across England to create a Mobility Crisis Score and compared this to the number of PIP and health-related benefit claimants, revealing the areas that are most vulnerable to potential benefit cuts.

The report found over 7.6 million people in the UK are affected by mobility issues, yet many cannot access the support they need. A growing mobility crisis is affecting many parts of England and Wales, with budget cuts and rising health needs stretching services to keep up with demand, Opera discovered.

Opera Beds’ Mobility Index analyses chronic conditions that affect mobility across English areas, highlighting where the risk is highest. By comparing this with disability benefit claimant data, it has revealed the areas where rising needs battle funding cuts.

For millions, having the right equipment, like adjustable beds and riser recliner chairs, is essential to living safely and comfortably at home, says Opera Beds.

Blackpool was revealed as the English local authority most at risk of a mobility crisis, scoring 9.02 out of 10. Almost a fifth of Blackpool’s working-age population relies on health-related benefits, which is the highest in England. Cuts to sickness and disability payments could hit Blackpool harder than anywhere else, removing vital support from people already struggling with poor health and limited mobility, according to Opera Beds.

Opera Beds adds that while the council and NHS aim to improve education and boost access to sport by 2028, welfare reforms risk reversing that progress by leaving vulnerable residents without the means to stay healthy and active.

In second place, findings revealed Walsall is one of England’s local authorities most impacted by health and mobility issues.

Around 11.8 percent of Walsall’s working-age population claim health-related benefits, above the English and Welsh average of 9.3 per cent. Opera Beds states that planned cuts to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and PIP mean that Walsall residents could lose vital income that they rely on to afford healthy food, transport to medical appointments, or support services that help them stay independent.

Knowsley ranked third in the research, with England’s second-highest hip fracture rate at 783 per 100,000 over-65s. Almost a sixth of Knowsley’s working-age population depends on health-related social security. Opera Beds say cuts will hit these residents hard, pushing many deeper into poverty and making it harder to stay safe and independent at home.

While the area faces a mobility crisis, the Knowsley Council falls prevention scheme offers assistance and home-based assessments for those over 55 at risk of fractures or falls. Opera Beds believes this scheme demonstrates a commitment to improving the situation and aims to increase confidence and mobility among the most affected.

The Irish Wheelchair Association has called on the Irish Government to address the cost of disability in the upcoming budget.