Physical Disabilities
Demographics
UK disability statistics: Prevalence and life experiences (2025) indicate nationally, an estimated 16.8 million people in the UK had a disability in 2023/24, accounting for 25% of the total population. In 2023/24 around 12% of children in the UK were disabled, compared with 24% of working-age adults and 45% of adults over State Pension age. The largest increases have been in people aged 16 to 24, among whom reported disability prevalence has more than doubled from 8% to 18%, and those aged 25 to 34 (from 11% to 19%)
In 2023/24, the most common impairment types among working-age adults were mental health (reported by 48% of disabled people in this age group) and mobility impairments (42%). Mobility was the most frequently reported impairment type among disabled people of State Pension age, affecting 69% of disabled people within this group. A stamina, breathing or fatigue impairment was reported by 45% of disabled adults of State Pension age.
Rotherham has a high rate per 100,000 population of 18-64 Physical Disability customers compared to the Yorkshire and Humber. Neighbouring authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield have significantly lower rates.
Support needs
There are currently 415 people (age 18-64) accessing services in Rotherham with a primary need of physical support.
Some adults with life-long limiting conditions are also funded through NHS Continuing Healthcare.
There is a small cohort of adults living in residential care. In some instances, this may not always be the most appropriate option.
Key Messages for the Market
- The Council welcomes discussions with potential providers about what community services they can offer for younger people with physical disabilities so they can remain in the community as independently as possible, maximising life chances.
- The Council also encourages developments of new properties to be designed flexibility to more easily accommodate adaptations to support independent living for people with physical disabilities. Wide doors, turning circles for powered wheelchairs and heavy load bearing ceilings/floors would allow for specialist equipment to be used in the future.
Service Provision
There is a limited bespoke commissioned offer for working aged adults with a physical disability. Historically the offer has centred on direct payments, adapted housing using the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and home care and support to keep people within their own home. Some adults with life-long limiting conditions are also funded through NHS Continuing Healthcare. There is a small cohort of adults living in residential care. In some instances, this may not always be the most appropriate option.
All provision available for those with a primary category of physical disability is identified elsewhere in the document.
- Home Care – commissioned through the Home Care and Support Flexible Purchasing System.
- Extra Care, Supported Housing and Supported Living options are also available, and potentially need expanding to meet a younger population needs.
- Residential and nursing care are available for complex needs.
Direct payments – using a personal budget for buying services or personal assistant are an attractive option for this client group.
