Dozens more new disability claims in Eastbourne – as number doubles nationally
Dozens more people claimed disability benefits in Eastbourne in July than a year earlier, research shows – as the number doubled across England and Wales.
The figures come as a shadow minister says the Government "can't ignore" the growing backlog in disability assessments.
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Hide AdThe personal independent payment is awarded to people with long-term physical or mental conditions, in order to help them continue with everyday tasks.
Analysis of Department and Work and Pensions figures from the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank shows the number of new claimants in Eastbourne rose from 29 in July 2021 to 60 in July 2022.
Across England and Wales, the number of new PIP claimants doubled over this period, from 14,800 to 32,200.
The IFS said that worsening health was likely behind the rise and that there had been an increase across every age group, and for most major conditions.
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