PIP Review Finds Benefit Not Fit for Purpose
An interim review of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) has concluded the disability benefit is 'not fit for purpose', paving the way for a major shake-up that could see cash payments scrapped or scaled back for people with anxiety and depression.
The review, led by the Timms review, is due to conclude in November with recommendations to be handed to Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey. The findings come as PIP claims have soared, with around four million people currently receiving the benefit.
Anxiety and Depression Claims Surge Since COVID
The interim report specifically names anxiety and depression as conditions where claims have surged since the pandemic. The report states: 'Anxiety and depression show the most significant increase, rising sharply from 5.9 in 2020 to 8.1 per cent in 2025.' These conditions among younger people have been largely responsible for the ballooning PIP bill this decade.
New measures could make it harder for people with these conditions to claim, while it has been suggested cash payments could be replaced for some households with alternative support.
Other Conditions See Slower Growth
In contrast, the report notes that 'the two main musculoskeletal conditions, back pain and arthritis, have seen a slower, more steady increase in prevalence over time.' The document adds: 'All conditions groups have shown some increase over time with the exception of all other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions group; however, the extent of increase varies across conditions.'
It also highlights that 'the number of people reporting mental health conditions and autism have increased significantly from 2009 to 2025, and particularly since the pandemic.'
Burnham Touches on Benefits in First Speech
Andy Burnham addressed benefits and mental health support for young people during his first speech in Downing Street this week. He said: 'We will help more young people into work by changing the education system, giving them more support, more mental health support.'
He added: 'We will help people to live well, building a more preventative state, investing in people's success rather than paying for failure. And that work starts now.'
The review is expected to deliver its final recommendations in November, which will shape the future of PIP and potentially redefine eligibility criteria for millions of claimants.
