A new benefits dashboard released by the TaxPayers' Alliance shows a steady increase in the number of benefit claimants in the Maldon district.

This analysis comes ahead of the Welfare Bill vote on Tuesday July 1, a bill which aims to slow the rising cost of personal independence payments (PIP) by making it more difficult for new claimants  to qualify. 

The TPA analysis revealed there were 3,178 PIP claimants in the Maldon district in April 2025, a 56% increase since the same time in 2022. 

This amounted to 80 out of every 1,000 working-age adults (16-64) across the district claiming this benefit. 

While this is proportionally lower than the national average - 95 of every 1,000 working-age adults - the percentage increase in claims over the past two years is 14.3% higher here than elsewhere in England.

The new benefits dashboard breaks down the number of claimants of various benefits including PIP using a number of geographical areas including region, local authority, constituency and postcode. 

Compared to neighbouring authorities, Maldon has a much higher proportion of claimants than Chelmsford, though it mirrors the stats of Braintree and Colchester.

Personal Independence Payment is a UK benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

It helps cover the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs, regardless of whether the person is working or has savings.