SEARCHES for mobility aids in Monmouth have jumped by nearly a quarter since 2022, sparking concern that more local people could be struggling with their health as government welfare reforms loom.

New data shows that online searches in Monmouth for terms such as ‘disability equipment’ rose by 23.53% between January 2022 and January 2025, from 340 to 420 searches. The figure mirrors a national trend, with the UK overall seeing a 7.52% rise in such searches.

Monmouth ranks third in Wales for search increases by percentage.

Mobility expert Alex Muir from EMS Lifts, warned the figures could point to a growing crisis: “Seeing a rise in numbers like this is concerning when the government is seeking to make accessing support through things like PIP more difficult.