The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a significant new update regarding the ongoing Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a process affecting millions of claimants across the UK.
What is the Timms Review?
The Timms Review is a major government assessment of the PIP benefit system, spearheaded by Sir Stephen Timms. Its core mission is to ensure the system is fair, modern, and fit for the future. Crucially, it aims to better align support with the realities of living with a disability today, focusing on enabling independence rather than implementing cuts. The final report from this extensive evaluation is scheduled for publication in Autumn 2026.
Latest Developments and Steering Group
The update comes in response to a query from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Sollom, who pressed the government for more details on the review's steering group membership and its planned next steps.
In his response, Sir Stephen Timms, who is leading the review, referenced a previous communication issued in December 2025. He confirmed that he, alongside Sharon Brennan and Clenton Farquharson CBE, have been appointed as co-chairs of the review's steering group, working alongside the relevant minister.
"We bring lived and living experience of disability, health, social care, and employment, alongside firsthand experience of navigating these systems," Sir Stephen stated, emphasising the personal expertise now guiding the process.
A Commitment to Co-Production and Transparency
The review has pledged a co-production model, meaning its recommendations will be developed in direct partnership with disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), and a wide range of experts by experience.
"We recognise how important this Review is to many disabled people, carers, families, and organisations," the co-chairs noted in their December update, underlining the weight of the task. They have committed to a series of public updates as part of a drive for transparency, with the recent announcement being the first in this planned sequence.
The co-chairs have stated they are currently developing a shared vision for the review, which will be refined further once the full steering group is formally appointed. This methodical approach suggests a careful, evidence-based process aimed at delivering substantive, long-term reform for the PIP system.
