Proposed changes to PIP – which would have included changing the scoring system that is used to determine if someone is eligible for PIP – were scrapped following opposition
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it will soon issue an update on its review Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is a benefit that is awarded to people who need extra help due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. Proposed changes to PIP – which would have included changing the scoring system that is used to determine if someone is eligible for PIP – were scrapped by Labor following opposition from MPs, disability charities and campaigners.
But the Government is reviewing the rules for claiming PIP, with a final outcome expected in autumn 2026. Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, is leading the review, which will take into account the overall PIP assessment.
The majority of people applying for PIP must attend a health assessment by phone, video call or in person before it is decided if they’re eligible. Sir Stephen has given a new update on the Timms Review in response to a parliamentary question.
Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, asked about the timetable for reviewing the PIP assessment process and whether disabled people, carers and the wider public would be included in the review.
In a written reply this week, Sir Stephen Timms said: “To ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work, the Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organizations that represent them, clinicians, carers, experts, MPs and others.
“We have also confirmed that a majority of the review’s leadership group will be disabled. This group will not work alone: it will shape a program of participation and engagement that brings together the full range of views and voices.
“Over the summer, I met with disabled people, disabled people’s organizations, disability, welfare and carers’ charities, think tanks and other experts to discuss and listen to how we should approach co-production in the Timms Review.
“We are working through this feedback and will provide an update shortly.”
He added: “We expect it to conclude by Autumn 2026. The review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, so that the Government can then make any decisions flowing from it.
“These could take the form of changes to primary legislation, secondary legislation, as well as a range of potential non-legislative actions.”
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