A significant review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit system is set to commence next month, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launching an in-depth examination that could reshape support for disabled individuals across the UK.
Timms Review: Scope and Timeline
The Timms Review, spearheaded by Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, will formally begin its work in February 2026. This comprehensive assessment is scheduled to deliver its findings and recommendations by Autumn 2026, potentially leading to substantial reforms in how PIP operates.
Objectives of the PIP Review
The review aims to ensure that PIP remains fair and future-proof in an evolving societal landscape. Its primary goal is to enhance support for disabled people, helping them achieve improved health outcomes, higher living standards, and greater independence. A key focus will be on facilitating employment opportunities for claimants, as currently only 17% of PIP recipients are in work, despite the benefit being non-means-tested and available regardless of employment status.
Drivers Behind the Review
Several critical factors have prompted this major evaluation. Notably, there has been a sharp increase in disability benefit claims since the pandemic, particularly for mental health conditions. Officials argue that the existing "one size fits all" approach to PIP is no longer financially sustainable for taxpayers, necessitating a thorough reassessment.
Rising Claimant Numbers and Costs
The scale of the challenge is evident in the statistics. In 2019, approximately two million working-age people received PIP. This figure is projected to more than double to over four million by the end of the decade. Consequently, government spending on PIP for working-age claimants has surged from £11 billion in 2019-2020 to £22 billion last year, with forecasts predicting an increase to over £30 billion annually by 2029-2030.
Key Areas Under Examination
The review will scrutinise multiple aspects of the PIP system, including:
- Assessment Processes: Evaluating the methods used to determine eligibility for the daily living and mobility components, with the latter providing access to Motability vehicles at higher rates.
- Eligibility Criteria: Analysing whether the current thresholds and requirements are appropriate and equitable.
- Integration with Universal Credit: Exploring the implications of PIP becoming a "passport" to health support under Universal Credit once the work capability assessment is abolished, which will closely link the two benefits.
Operational Changes and Ministerial Assurances
In preparation, the DWP is already implementing measures such as extending the duration of PIP awards to increase face-to-face assessments by freeing up staff from routine reviews. Ministers have emphasised that the review's purpose is to ensure fairness and future readiness, not to "generate proposals for further savings," though they acknowledge the need to address the system's long-term sustainability due to escalating costs.
Potential Outcomes and Legislative Impact
Upon completion, the review's report will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. This could lead to a range of actions, including:
- Changes to primary legislation.
- Introduction of new secondary legislation.
- Various non-legislative measures aimed at improving the PIP framework.
This review represents a pivotal moment for disability benefits in the UK, with the potential to significantly alter how support is delivered to millions of claimants in the years ahead.
