THOUSANDS of residents claiming incapacity benefit in Plymouth are being urged by ministers to take more exercise which could help them back into work and save taxpayer cash.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham says that millions of pounds could be shaved off the hefty benefit bill if just a fraction of claimants were more active and had a job.

Government figures show that there are nearly 20,000 people receive the benefit across the Plymouth area, at a cost of £53 million.

It is estimated more than a third of those on the benefit are claiming it for mental health problems or muscular or skeletal disorders.

Mr Burnham said these were conditions that were known to respond well to exercise, which could lead to significant savings for the economy.

His comment came as he announced a wider initiative to get people generally more active and take up healthy pursuits such as swimming and cycling.

He said: "In England, if we can get just one per cent of people on incapacity benefit back into the workplace through active lifestyles, this would save the Exchequer £36million and industry £31million – that's a combined cost to the economy of £67million a year."

The NHS spends £3,000 every second on treating illnesses – such as Type 2 diabetes – which is linked to obesity and could be prevented by people taking more exercise.

Official data shows that annually £17.3million was paid in incapacity benefit to 6,280 claimants in the constituency of Plymouth Devonport, and £14.6million to 6,160 people in Plymouth Sutton.

A further £12.2 million was paid out to around 4,000 claimants in South East Cornwall, and nearly £9 million to 2,680 people in South West Devon.

The Government has previously unveiled plans aimed at ending the nation's "sicknote culture".

These included a new medical exam aimed at cutting the number of people on sickness-related benefits by assessing in the future what they can do, rather than what they cannot.

The Government said the reforms would return hundreds of thousands of claimants back to work.

Meanwhile, Mr Burnham said he wanted to ensure that active lifestyles are seen as an intrinsic part of 21st century health, with the NHS taking a lead role.

Britain is currently in 21st place in Europe on activity levels.

Mr Burnham said: "Promoting active lifestyles is the simple answer to many of the big challenges facing our country today.

"It can save us money and ease the burden on public services. The NHS has the green light to be bold and creative to help people to be fitter and more healthy."

Current health initiatives include offering free swimming to youngsters and pensioners.