The first five emerging recommendations from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been disclosed, signalling the likely direction of future reforms to the benefit claimed by four million people.
The recommendations have surfaced as the DWP begins a series of workshops across the country, with claimants invited to help shape the future of the disability and incapacity benefit. These proposals are expected to form the basis of any Labour Party government reforms, although they have not yet been finalised.
What the five emerging recommendations propose
The five emerging recommendations are:
- Claimants could be offered “in kind” support rather than just cash payments.
- Introduce a fast-track process to allow new claimants with a terminal illness to claim PIP more quickly.
- Cut the number of benefit reassessments for people with lifelong or degenerative conditions.
- Review the rule which scraps PIP when claimants have spent more than 28 consecutive days in hospital.
- Improve assessments for fluctuating issues such as mental illness.
These proposals are part of the Timms Review's “emerging recommendations”, which have emerged ahead of being published in the next two months.
DWP response and next steps
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “These are not the final recommendations. The review will report to the secretary of state this autumn and he will carefully consider the final proposals within it.
“The Timms review interim report, co-produced with disabled people, made clear that Pip is no longer fit for purpose.”
“Our goal is to deliver a system that supports disabled people and those with long-term conditions to live independent lives, while remaining fair, sustainable and fit for the future,” the spokesperson added.
Purpose of the review
The government has launched the Timms Review to ensure that Personal Independence Payment is fair and fit for the future in a changing world, and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment.
The purpose of PIP is to provide a contribution to the extra costs faced by disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. The Review is co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability; Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
The final report will be submitted to the secretary of state this autumn, and the emerging recommendations will be considered alongside feedback from the workshops.
