The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched an important call for evidence on the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), seeking input from claimants and stakeholders alike. Under the Labour government, this review aims to ensure that PIP remains effective, fair, and responsive to the needs of people living with disabilities in modern Britain.
The Timms Review steering group, tasked with overseeing the evaluation, has officially opened the Call for Evidence. Stakeholders including PIP recipients, carers, clinicians, charities, experts, and Members of Parliament are all encouraged to contribute their insights. This collaborative approach ensures the review reflects a wide range of lived experiences and expertise.
Led by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, in conjunction with Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, the steering group brings together 12 members from diverse backgrounds to guide the process. Their collective goal is to guarantee that PIP fulfills its core purpose: supporting independent living, improving health outcomes, and enhancing quality of life.
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The review focuses on four key areas:
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Purpose and Role: Assessing whether PIP effectively promotes independence and enables participation in work and daily activities.
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Eligibility and Fairness: Examining the criteria and assessment processes to ensure they fairly recognize the impact of various conditions and remove barriers to access.
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Claimant Experience: Evaluating every stage of the claims journey—from application and decision-making to appeals—while scrutinizing communication, accessibility, and trust in the system.
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Contextual Changes: Considering societal, workplace, and claimant demographic shifts since PIP’s inception in 2013 to ensure the benefit aligns with current needs.
This thorough review, conducted in partnership with disabled people and those intimately familiar with the system, reflects the government’s commitment to a fair, adaptable, and trustworthy PIP framework.