The Department for Work and Pensions is exploring alternatives to cash Personal Independence Payment (PIP) payments as the Timms Review continues under incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Mr Burnham is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, with one of his first tasks being to address the rising welfare bill.
Timms Review Considers New Support Options
Sir Stephen Timms, the minister leading the review, told MPs that the department is considering whether some PIP claimants could be directed to other forms of support instead of cash payments. Alternatives could include NHS treatments, specialised equipment, or employment support.
The interim report declared PIP "not fit for purpose," noting that applicants described the process as "dehumanising" and a barrier to work. The co-chair of the review, Sharon Brennan, told the BBC: "At the moment, it's a very blunt process. It's a yes or no answer, do you get cash or not, and we're not really having conversations with people about what extra support they need to live the lives they want to live."
Cash Payments Remain Vital
Sir Stephen emphasised that the review "is clear that the provision of cash to meet the additional costs of disability is vital." He added: "We will not be moving away from the importance of that, but I think there is a question about whether the process can also point people towards help that may be valuable to them in addition to, or in some cases perhaps instead of, a cash payment."
The system, he said, "may be able to point people to the right place in the health service." The review is "looking at all those issues and we will come back with recommendations in our final report."
