The State of Mobility Issues in England and Wales: Key 2025 Stats

Over 7.6 million people in the UK are affected by mobility issues, yet many cannot access the support they need.¹ 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.

Our 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, we reveal 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. Opera Beds support people with long-term health conditions, ensuring they have the right products to maintain confidence, comfort, and quality of life.

 

Blackpool is most at risk of a mobility crisis

 

1. Blackpool - Mobility crisis score: 9.02/10

Blackpool is the English local authority most at risk of a mobility crisis, scoring 9.02 out of 10. It has the highest rate of heart disease deaths under 75 (136.2 per 100,000), likely impacted by smoking rates that are nearly double the UK average (20.6% compared to 11.4%).² Hip fractures (660 per 100,000 over-65s) and blue badge use (7% of residents) are also high.

This poor health can be linked to an economic inactivity rate of 28.4%, far above the British 21% average. Reduced income is often related to poor diet, which can cause health issues. Almost a fifth (17.3%) 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.

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.³

 

2. Walsall - Mobility crisis score: 8.55/10

In second place, Walsall is one of England’s local authorities most impacted by health and mobility issues. Three-quarters of adults are overweight or obese, and deaths from heart disease under 75 are high (109.3 per 100,000 compared to the 84.5 average). Poor access to healthy food and inactivity (over a third do less than 30 minutes of activity weekly) make this worse.⁴

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

Without this help, the area’s high rates of obesity and preventable disease could rise even further, worsening the cycle of poor health, poverty, and economic inactivity.

 

3. Knowsley - Mobility crisis score: 8.27/10

Knowsley ranks third, with England’s second-highest hip fracture rate (783 per 100,000 over-65s), high heart disease deaths (114.5 per 100,000 under 75) and 71% of adults overweight or obese.

Almost a sixth (15.7%) of Knowsley’s working-age population depends on health-related social security. 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.⁵ This scheme demonstrates a commitment to improving the situation and aims to increase confidence and mobility among the most affected.

 

 

The English local authorities that will be most affected by cuts to health benefits

 

Thousands of vulnerable people across England rely on health-related social security benefits, including payments like Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This support helps to cover basic living costs when long-term illness or disability makes working impossible.

As the government moves to tighten eligibility in an effort to cut costs, areas with the highest rates of illness and dependence on disability payments will feel it the most. The changes will take vital income away from people who are already most at risk of poverty, social isolation and worsening health.

We’ve compared the likelihood of a mobility crisis with the percentage of people receiving health-related social security in local authorities throughout England to see where these cuts could hit the hardest.

 

1. Blackpool - Maximum impact

Blackpool is the local authority most at risk of a mobility crisis and has the highest proportion of working-age residents claiming health-related benefits in England. For thousands of people, payments like ESA and PIP are the only way to cover heating, rent, and care when illness and disability make working difficult or impossible. 

Without this safety net, more residents could have to choose between food and medical needs or living in unsuitable housing that can worsen poor mobility. Cuts in this area could see whole families pushed further into poverty, deeply impacting this community.

Blackpool Council could expand hardship funds and strengthen partnerships with local charities to offer advice and food support.⁶ However, future budget cuts will dramatically strain the local council’s ability to help those in need.

2. Knowsley - Maximum impact

Knowsley’s residents face some of the highest rates of poor health and disability in England, and nearly one in six (15.7%) working-age adults here depends on sickness or disability payments to manage daily life. Many live with conditions that limit movement and make falls or hospital stays more likely. This situation is only made worse by financial stress.

Removing or reducing this support could result in people opting out of mobility aids, home adjustments, or the care they need. For a community already hit by economic disadvantages and preventable health problems, these cuts will undoubtedly change how many families live.

While Knowsley Council’s net expenditure on adult social care in 2025-26 is up £3,339,000 from the previous year, the council faces “significant pressures” from rising costs.⁷ This means many struggling families will likely be left behind amidst government budget cuts.

3. South Tyneside - Maximum impact

In South Tyneside, 14.3% of working-age people depend on health-related social security. The coastal borough struggles with high rates of long-term illness and disability, which leaves many residents dependent on welfare to manage their conditions.

Losing this income means people with severe health problems could be left without transport to hospital appointments or the adjustments they need to live independently at home. In an area with already stretched local services, government budget cuts could remove essential support for people who need it most.

While the local government could focus on developing hardship funds, crisis support, and consider reforms to public transport, any larger-scale safety net would need extra funding from the North East Combined Authority or the national government.