The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants who participate in full workshops exploring the Timms Review recommendations will receive a one-off bonus payment. The workshops, set to begin on 15 September 2026, will be held both in person and online across the UK, including Belfast, Scotland, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Yorkshire and Humber, and the south.
Workshops to Test Timms Review Changes
The workshops are designed to test and trial changes proposed by Labour Party minister Sir Stephen Timms in his Timms Review, which aims to make PIP fairer and better for both taxpayers and recipients. The DWP has stated that participants who attend the full workshop will be offered a one-off payment.
The DWP added: "We will also reimburse reasonable travel costs and other necessary expenses (for example, costs of a personal assistant) for you if you are attending a workshop in a personal capacity."
Payment Details and Tax Implications
The DWP clarified that any payments received from these workshops are subject to tax and National Insurance contributions. Participants are responsible for disclosing payments to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and any queries on these arrangements should be taken up with HMRC. The payments will not be pensionable.
The DWP also noted: "We will provide you with more information if you are invited to a workshop."
Registration and Workshop Schedule
To register interest, individuals must complete and submit the 'about you' form, which went live on the DWP website on Wednesday. Registration of interest opens on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 10am and closes on Friday 21 August 2026 at 5pm. The DWP aims to let selected participants know via email by 4 September 2026.
The first of the 15 workshops announced today will be held in London, with subsequent workshops in the North East, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, West Midlands, and beyond. The workshops begin from 15 September 2026.
