The first recommendations from the Labour Party’s Timms Review suggest that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants could have the option to exchange their weekly cash payments for “in kind” support. This support might include specialist equipment, aids, services, or skills and training, tailored more closely to individuals’ specific needs.
The emerging proposals, revealed by The Guardian on Thursday 10 September, aim to broaden the scope of PIP to help recipients achieve greater participation and opportunity in everyday life. The review emphasises that PIP should be customised to better serve the diverse requirements of claimants.
These recommendations are still in development and will be tested through a series of workshops held across the country. These sessions will involve benefits claimants and others with lived experience in helping to shape the future of the benefit, which currently supports around four million people.
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explained how the workshops will be conducted: “The co-chairs work with a steering group of 12 members who jointly lead the co-production of the Review. This group combines a range of lived experience, expertise, and diverse characteristics. They are developing recommendations and plan to hold workshops during September and October 2026 to engage with disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.”
Interested individuals were invited to register for a workshop by 5pm on Friday 21 August, with further details provided on the DWP’s dedicated webpage.
A DWP spokesperson said: “These are not the final recommendations. The review will report to the secretary of state this autumn, who will carefully consider the final proposals.”
“The Timms review interim report, co-produced with disabled people, acknowledged that PIP is no longer fit for purpose. Our aim is to develop a system that supports disabled people and those with long-term conditions to live independent lives, while ensuring it remains fair, sustainable, and fit for the future.”