This is what the DVLA says:

‘From June 8 2015, the photocard licence counterpart will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.

The decision to abolish the counterpart was a result of the government’s Red Tape Challenge consultation on road transportation. It also aligns to DVLA’s Strategic Plan which includes commitment to simplifying our services.

The counterpart was introduced in 1998 as part of the photocard driving licence to display information that could not be included on the photocard. ~This includes provisional driving entitlement categories and current endorsements/penalty points’