{"id":6203,"date":"2022-04-21T09:37:30","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T08:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=6203"},"modified":"2026-01-05T16:25:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T16:25:45","slug":"complex-disabilities-in-england","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/about-us\/research\/complex-needs-overview\/complex-disabilities-in-england\/","title":{"rendered":"Complex disabilities in England"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Overview<\/a> | Demographic breakdown<\/a> | England <\/a>| Scotland <\/a>| Wales<\/a> | Northern Ireland<\/a> | Methodology<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Figures for complex disabilities in England<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t
\t\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There are 1.4 million people with complex disabilities in England.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Of the 1.6 million people estimated to be living in the UK with complex disabilities, 1.4 million are in England. We have broken down this data by demographic and region to provide insights at a local level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to our research, the largest regional estimated population is in the North West. Here, there are just over 200,000 people with complex disabilities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
Region<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
East<\/strong><\/td>154,535<\/td><\/tr>
East Midlands<\/strong><\/td>129,260<\/td><\/tr>
London<\/strong><\/td>179,938<\/td><\/tr>
North East<\/strong><\/td>88,452<\/td><\/tr>
North West<\/strong><\/td>201,249<\/td><\/tr>
South East<\/strong><\/td>179,356<\/td><\/tr>
South West<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>147,567<\/td><\/tr>
West Midlands<\/strong><\/td>186,457<\/td><\/tr>
Yorkshire and The Humber<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>111,529<\/td><\/tr>
England<\/strong><\/td>1,378,343<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


The demographics of people with complex disabilities in England<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our analysis allows us to estimate how many people fall into different demographic groups across England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>282,501<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>566,421<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>529,420<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>751,047<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>627,295<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>62,226<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>36,484<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>37,379<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Complex disabilities by region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are able to provide information at a local level about the prevalence of people with complex disabilities.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tEast\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 154,000 people with complex disabilities living in the East of England. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>33,376<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>59,935<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>61,224<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>84,163<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>70,372<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>4,030<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>2,305<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>3,142<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\tEast Midlands\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 129,000 people with complex disabilities living in the East Midlands. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>22,293<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>52,894<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>54,073<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>68,838<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>60,422<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>4,487<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>2,238<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>1,959<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tLondon\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 180,000 people with complex disabilities living in London. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>49,095<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>87,083<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>43,760<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>102,215<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>77,723<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>23,984<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>18,257<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>14,739<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tNorth East\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 88,000 people with complex disabilities living in the North East. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>15,382<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>38,403<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>34,667<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>46,647<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>41,806<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>763<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>602<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>752<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tNorth West\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 201,000 people with complex disabilities living in the North West. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>39,387<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>88,337<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>73,525<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>108,800<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>92,449<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>6,531<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>2,417<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>3,622<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tSouth East\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 179,000 people with complex disabilities living in the South East. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>29,837<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>59,929<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>89,590<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>98,699<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>80,656<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>6,972<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>3,236<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>5,100<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tSouth West\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 148,000 people with complex disabilities living in the South West. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>27,436<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>53,235<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>66,896<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>79,350<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>68,217<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>1,536<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>921<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>1,901<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tWest Midlands\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 186,000 people with complex disabilities living in the West Midlands. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>41,558<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>74,606<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>70,293<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>99,797<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>86,660<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>9,344<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>5,033<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>3,463<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\t\n\t\t

\n\t\tYorkshire and The Humber\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/summary>\n\n\t
\n\t\t
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\"map<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our estimates have shown that there are approximately 112,000 people with complex disabilities living in Yorkshire and The Humber. Analysis suggests that the characteristics of these people are as follows.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
0-17 years<\/strong><\/td>24,139<\/td><\/tr>
18-64 years<\/strong><\/td>51,999<\/td><\/tr>
Over 65 years<\/strong><\/td>35,390<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sex<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Male<\/strong><\/td>62,539<\/td><\/tr>
Female<\/strong><\/td>48,990<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Ethnic minority group<\/strong><\/td>Number of people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Asian<\/strong><\/td>4,578<\/td><\/tr>
Black<\/strong><\/td>1,477<\/td><\/tr>
Mixed\/Other<\/strong><\/td>2,700<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n

 Where do these numbers come from?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These figures come from analysis we completed with the National Centre for Social Research. We used data from the Department for Work and Pensions Family Resources Survey, in combination with historic and future estimates of the make-up of the UK population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read a summary of our measuring complex disabilities methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get in touch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Please contact policy.research@sense.org.uk<\/a> if you have any questions, or would like localised data for your area.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Of the 1.6 million people estimated to be living in the UK with complex disabilities, 1.4 million are in England.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":6128,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"content_label":[],"class_list":["post-6203","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6203"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6203\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"content_label","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_label?post=6203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}