Surge in young people declaring disability in England and Wales

Increase comes after 2021 census included mental health in its question about disability for first time

One in seven women in their 20s have been classed as disabled, after the census for England and Wales included mental health in its question about disability for the first time.

The number of girls and young women aged 10 to 19 declaring a disability almost doubled and among those aged 20 to 24 it almost tripled in England to 15%. There were hotspots in Lincoln, Norwich and Brighton, places with large student populations. The increase among young males was smaller but still significant.