The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant update regarding the future of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for two prevalent health conditions: arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. This development comes as part of the broader Timms Review, an initiative led by the Labour Party government aimed at reforming PIP to reduce the welfare bill while ensuring fairness.
During a recent session in the House of Commons, Sir Stephen Timms, who oversees the review, responded to concerns from fellow MPs about how the review will consider the needs of individuals living with arthritis and related conditions. He emphasized that the success of the Timms Review hinges on placing lived experience at its core. To achieve this, the review is being co-produced in collaboration with disabled people, advocacy organizations, clinicians, experts, MPs, and other key stakeholders.
The DWP stated that the purpose of the Timms Review is “to ensure that PIP is fair and fit for the future, reflecting the reality of people’s conditions, their goals, and ambitions.” Since its introduction in 2013, PIP has replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults. However, the assessment criteria have not undergone a thorough revision since then. Previous evaluations in 2014 and 2016 primarily focused on decision-making quality and claims processing, rather than the assessment framework itself.
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The Terms of Reference for the review, published in June 2025, highlight that the landscape of disability has evolved considerably over the past decade. Nearly 10 million working-age people in the UK now identify as disabled—23% of that demographic—which represents an increase of almost 3 million since 2013/14. This growth has been particularly pronounced among young people and those experiencing mental health issues.
Co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Sharon Brennan, and Dr. Clenton Farquharson CBE, the review is committed to inclusivity and transparency. It seeks to make PIP assessments better aligned with the changing nature of long-term health conditions, societal shifts, and workplace dynamics. The ultimate goal is a PIP system that is both equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of disabled people across the UK.