The Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has set out a series of 15 discussion events across the UK in September and October, as it gathers views before publishing its final report in November.
The review, co-chaired by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms, is examining potential reforms to how PIP operates, aiming to ensure it adequately meets claimants' requirements. PIP offers financial assistance to help cover additional expenses associated with living with a health condition or disability.
Sir Keir Starmer's administration attempted to tighten eligibility criteria for PIP's daily living component in 2025, seeking to make it more difficult for people with less serious long-term physical or mental health conditions to access support as part of efforts to reduce UK welfare spending. However, the proposal sparked significant backbench opposition and was subsequently abandoned.
Interim findings and concerns
In its place, the Timms Review was established. This summer, interim findings concluded that PIP in England and Wales was "not fit for purpose". Applicants described the process as "dehumanising" and an obstacle to employment.
The minister indicated his final report would not include "crude proposals" regarding payment alterations. However, with PIP expenditure projected to exceed £41bn by 2030, the long-term viability of this would "be a concern as we reach these decisions", he said.
Full list of PIP DWP dates
The events will be held on the following dates:
- September 15 - London - in person
- September 18 - Newcastle/Middlesbrough and surrounding areas - online
- September 22 - Bournemouth - in person
- September 22 - England and Wales all regions - online
- September 24 - Birmingham - in person
- September 25 - South Cardiff - in person
- September 29 - Norwich and surrounding areas - online
- September 29 - Glasgow - in person
- September 30 - Bangor - in person
- September 30 - England and Wales all regions - online
- October 1 - Belfast - in person
- October 1 - Liverpool - in person
- October 2 - York and the Humber, in Sheffield - in person
- October 6 - All Scotland - online
- October 7 - All Northern Ireland - online
People from a range of diverse backgrounds will be taking part, including current PIP claimants, others living with long-term health conditions or disabilities, those who care for people with health conditions or disabilities, and medical professionals.
Final report expected in November
Speaking to MPs at a Work and Pensions Committee progress update, Sir Stephen said: "We published our interim report, the results of which were largely drawn from the call for evidence responses. We had 38,000 responses to our call for evidence, and those themes that you've picked out were very, very strongly represented in the replies that we received."
He added that the final report, along with its recommendations for necessary changes, is expected to be published in November.
