The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to overhaul Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments as part of a drive to help more disabled people return to work. The long-awaited Timms Review will file its interim report in the coming days, with final recommendations expected in November.
Assessment Changes Proposed
In an interview with The i Paper, Sir Stephen Timms, chair of the review, stated: “We’re looking at how the assessment works, and I think there’s a strong case for a different kind of assessment to the one that’s there at the moment.” He added that the steering group will decide on the specifics, with conclusions set for November.
Timms emphasised the potential for PIP to better support employment: “There may well be changes that can be made to enable PIP to do a better job to support people into employment or to stay in employment if they run into a health problem in the course of their working lives.”
Public Engagement and Evidence
The review, co-chaired by Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, Sharon Brennan, and Sir Stephen Timms, has already received over 38,000 responses to its Call for Evidence. In a joint statement, they noted: “The fact that so many people (alongside different organisations) took the time to respond highlights the important role PIP plays in supporting disabled people, and the strength of people’s interest in improving it for the future.”
To further gather qualitative evidence, the review has launched a “Workshop in a Box” tool, similar to one used by NHS England for its 10-Year Health Plan. These workshops aim to facilitate conversations with communities about PIP’s role and gather input from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Co-production and Next Steps
The co-chairs stressed the importance of co-production: “The input we receive from this will form a key part of the co-production process of the Review.” They urged organisations to host workshops, stating: “This Review will only succeed if disabled people across the UK help to shape it. With your help, we can make sure PIP truly meets the needs of those it is intended to serve.”
The interim report is expected to outline early findings, with the final report due in November 2026, aiming to create a PIP system that is “fair and fit for all.”
