Could the lack of applicants be due to the recent and ongoing crisis thats hit so many people and actually have nothing to do with aviation.
So many people are tightening their belts and I wonder if PPL`s are focusing their funds on VFR only.
I, like others recommend the training. Even if it becomes obsolete you still have a few years left of ligitimate IMC flying in UK and more importantly it may save your bacon one day just having the knowledge.
Go for it and enjoy
