The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the full Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Timms Review interim report, ahead of final recommendations expected over August and September. The interim report, led by Labour cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms, found that the benefit—claimed by nearly 4 million people in England and Wales—suffers from systematic and deep-rooted problems that have undermined public trust in the benefits system.
12 Conditions Listed in the Report
The report identifies a swathe of conditions that are at risk of changes to assessment criteria, eligibility, and the points-based system. The 12 conditions named are: autism, back pain, arthritis, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, ADHD, speech disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and deafness.
Review Findings and Steering Group
The DWP stated that the report is assessing whether PIP is fair, accessible, and fit for disabled people, to support their participation in daily life and society. A 12-member steering group, appointed through an open process, jointly leads the Review with co-chairs Sharon Brennan, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, and Sir Stephen Timms.
The report concluded: "Over 13 years since its introduction, it is clear from insight from the Review’s call for evidence that some elements of PIP are not operating in practice as intended."
Response from Disability Charity Scope
James Taylor, Director of Strategy at Scope, said: "Co-producing with disabled people is the right thing to do. We’re pleased lived experience is at the centre of the Review. This report reflects what Scope hears day in, day out, from disabled people. PIP isn’t working. The assessment process is complex and dehumanising. The system does not reflect the reality of disabled people’s lives, especially people with fluctuating conditions. Life costs more if you are disabled. And PIP exists to help with the extra costs disabled people face, whether they are in work, out of work, or unable to work. The government has started to listen. Now it must build a person-centred system that is easier to deal with and fit for disabled people’s lives."
