The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it will hold a series of in-person workshops with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants starting September 15, as part of efforts to reform the benefit following the Timms Review.
Workshop schedule and locations
The workshops will take place on September 15 in London, September 22 in Bournemouth, September 24 in Birmingham, September 25 in Cardiff, September 29 in Glasgow, and September 30 in Bangor. Additional sessions are planned for October 1 in Liverpool and Northern Ireland, and October 2 in Sheffield.
The aim is to gather feedback on the recommendations from the Timms Review, as the Labour government seeks to make PIP fairer. The review, led by Labour cabinet member Sir Stephen Timms, is exploring changes to the benefit.
Interim report findings
An interim report found that PIP "is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade."
The review is now considering how to address these shortcomings, with the workshops providing an opportunity for claimants and stakeholders to contribute their views.
Reactions from unions and campaigners
Following the interim report, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: "Disabled people deserve dignity, both in the workplace and in the social security system. Those who cannot work should be able to access financial support without unnecessary complications."
He added: "But Timms’ review confirms the current PIP system is not fit for purpose and is a barrier to work. For years disabled members have told us the assessment process is stressful, dehumanising and out of touch with the reality of their lives. Reform is long overdue."
Nowak also stressed that "PIP must be properly funded to reflect the real costs disabled people face - including those in work" and that "assessments must better recognise fluctuating conditions, fatigue and the impact work can have on health. No disabled worker should face stigma when seeking support to get into or stay in work."
PIP background
PIP is a tax-free, non-means-tested UK welfare benefit designed to help disabled people with the extra costs of disability. The TUC says it must never be subject to work-related conditionality and should be based on need - not employment status.
