Spending on child disability benefits has surged, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) child benefits bill rising to £5 billion in the latest year, up from £2.3 billion in 2019-20. According to a recent analysis by Policy Exchange, the number of children receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has nearly tripled since 2010, increasing from 314,000 to 915,000.
This increase has been largely driven by conditions such as behavioural disorders, learning difficulties, and hyperkinetic syndrome, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, over 400,000 children have started receiving benefits related to mental health conditions. The number of children claiming for ADHD now stands at 60,000, while claims for behavioural disorders like oppositional defiant disorder have increased by 251,000. Additionally, autism spectrum conditions, including Asperger’s syndrome, have seen a rise of 279,000 claimants since 2010.
Jean-André Prager, a senior fellow at Policy Exchange, highlighted concerns about the changing profile of claimants, stating that Child DLA is supporting a very different group than originally intended. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that support reaches children with the greatest needs and suggested that some funds might be better allocated towards earlier intervention for children and families.
The thinktank proposed that limiting eligibility for the three main conditions could save taxpayers £11.9 billion over four years. Keir Haldane, co-author of the report, noted the remarkable growth in both the number of claimants and the value of awards, advising a review to determine if the current system remains the most effective way to assist children with additional needs.
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions affirmed the purpose of Child DLA, stating it helps cover the extra costs of caring for seriously ill or disabled children. The department recognises increased demand and has trained additional case managers to handle claims efficiently. They also mentioned planned reforms for special educational needs aimed at providing appropriate early support to children without unnecessary disputes.