Birmingham has been named Britain's "sick note capital", with nearly 180,000 residents not working due to illness or disability, according to new figures. Data released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) shows 178,932 people in the city are receiving health-related benefits, highlighting the scale of economic inactivity linked to long-term health conditions.

Many claim support through the health element of Universal Credit (UC) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which together can provide thousands of pounds a year in financial help. The data further highlights a stark disparity between the north and south of the country, with the top areas for claimants predominately in northern areas. Birmingham recorded the highest number of sickness benefit claimants in the UK, with 87,512 people receiving the health component of Universal Credit and a further 91,420 claiming PIP, which supports those whose health conditions affect their daily lives.

Liverpool had 102,997 residents claiming health-related benefits, while Leeds recorded 98,001.

Elsewhere, County Durham recorded 93,778 claimants, and Manchester had 92,467, showing how the issue is concentrated in large urban areas.

Universal Credit health support usually requires a GP "fit note" and assessment confirming that a person's illness limits their ability to work. PIP, by contrast, does not require a fit note and is awarded based on how a condition affects everyday activities.

The benefits can add up to almost £15,000 a year, with Universal Credit health payments worth up to about £5,097 annually and PIP worth as much as £9,747 a year depending on circumstances.

At the other end of the scale, some parts of the UK have extremely small numbers of sickness benefit claimants.

The Isles of Scilly recorded just 26, while the City of London had only 432 people claiming support.

The figures come as Britain's welfare bill continues to rise sharply. Government forecasts suggest overall spending on benefits could reach £333 billion this year, with costs projected to climb even further in the coming years.

Government attempts to reduce the rate at which the welfare bill will grows in the coming years led to a backbench rebellion by Labour MPs forcing the government into a humiliating U-turn.