New PIP figures for Chester and Ellesmere Port revealed

New figures have revealed how many people claim PIP in the area <i>(Image: PA)</i>
New figures have revealed how many people claim PIP in the area (Image: PA)
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More than 11,900 working-age adults in Chester and Ellesmere Port are claiming Personal Independence Payment (Pip), according to newly released Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures.

Analysis by the Press Association shows a total of 11,902 people aged between 16 and 64 were receiving the benefit across the two constituencies as of July 31, 2026.

Pip is the main benefit available to people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities and is designed to help with additional living costs and support needs.

The figures show a noticeable difference between the two neighbouring constituencies.

In Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, 7,126 working-age adults were claiming Pip, equivalent to 11.5 per cent of the local working-age population.

That means more than one in nine adults in the constituency receive the benefit.

The rate is significantly higher than in Chester North and Neston, where 4,776 people were claiming Pip.

The constituency recorded a claimant rate of 7.6 oper among working-age adults, or around one in 13 residents.

The figures place Ellesmere Port and Bromborough above both the national average and many constituencies across England and Wales, while Chester North and Neston sits considerably lower in the rankings.

The data highlights how levels of disability-related benefit claims can vary sharply even between neighbouring communities.

Across England and Wales, Liverpool Walton recorded the highest proportion of working-age adults claiming Pip, with 19.3 per cent receiving the benefit.

Other constituencies with some of the highest rates included Easington in County Durham (17.5 per cent), Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney (17.2 per cent) and Blackpool South (16.8 per cent).

In contrast, Bristol Central had the lowest rate in England and Wales, with 3.3 per cent of working-age adults claiming the benefit.

The latest DWP figures underline the scale of reliance on disability support payments across Cheshire West, with nearly 12,000 working-age residents in Chester and Ellesmere Port receiving Pip.

Personal Independence Payment can be claimed by people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and need help with everyday activities or getting around.

The benefit is not means-tested and can be claimed regardless of whether a person is in work.

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