More or Less Why are more people claiming disability benefits?
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Mar 19, 2025 
Lizzy McNeill, a reporter specializing in data analysis for news stories, joins the discussion to unravel the sharp increase in disability benefit claims in the UK, particularly post-pandemic. She highlights the impact of mental health issues and the cost of living crisis on this trend. The conversation also tackles controversial comparisons between the UK's and Russia's handling of free speech, emphasizing the need for accurate data. Additionally, they explore the deterioration of important statistical sources which complicate understanding societal trends.
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UK Phenomenon
- The cost of living crisis and COVID-19 are unlikely to be the sole drivers of increased benefit claims.
- This is because the UK's increase far surpasses that of other comparable countries facing similar challenges.
Existing Incentives
- Neither the Motability car leasing scheme nor the relative generosity of disability benefits can fully explain the recent surge in claims.
- These incentives existed before the pandemic, yet the sharp increase is a more recent phenomenon.
Worsening Health
- Worsening mental health, especially among young people, is a likely factor in increased benefit claims.
- Data on physical health trends are inconsistent, but increased sickness absence in the public sector suggests some deterioration.