Streeting orders review to tackle growing welfare bill

The health secretary has tasked experts with investigating the rise in diagnoses of mental illness, ADHD and autism

- MILLIE COOKE

Wes Streeting has ordered a review to be carried out around the diagnosis of mental illness and neurodevelopmental conditions, as the government seeks to tackle a significant rise in welfare spending. The health secretary’s decision comes amid concerns over a rise in individuals claiming sickness benefits due to diagnoses of mental illness, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Mr Streeting has reportedly tasked leading experts with investigating whether common human emotions have become “over-pathologised”.

The move is part of a broader effort to address the growing number of working-age people, now totalling 4.4 million, who are claiming sickness or incapacity benefit. This figure represents an increase of 1.2 million since 2019. During the same period, there has been a rapid surge in 16- to 34-year-olds unable to work due to long-term sickness linked to mental health conditions.

The launch of the review underscores the government’s wider agenda as it tries to bring the escalating national welfare bill under control.