The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging disabled individuals to share their experiences by answering three crucial questions about Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This initiative is part of the Timms Review, which seeks to determine whether the disability benefit is fair and suitable for future needs. The review's findings are expected later this year and could fundamentally transform the benefit, impacting approximately 3.9 million current claimants.
The government is now calling on disabled people to help shape the review by responding to three key questions. This follows an official call for evidence that closed last month, which drew 38,000 responses. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, who co-chairs the review, emphasized the importance of hearing from disabled people across the UK to inform the review. He encouraged organizations to host workshops to gather views and lived experiences.
Three key themes for workshops
Official resources have been compiled to assist organizations and communities in running workshops where disabled people will be invited to share their views. The three key themes to be questioned are:
- What PIP is for
- What it is like to apply for PIP
- How decisions for PIP are made
While the workshops are designed with disabled people in mind, organizations have been urged to adapt them for carers, advisers, and other relevant parties with experience of PIP.
Co-chair's call for inclusion
Co-chair Sharon Brennan stressed the importance of hearing from as many people as possible, especially those from marginalized communities or who may not feel comfortable engaging with government-led consultations. She hopes this new engagement method allows people to have meaningful conversations with trusted organizations, ensuring their lived experiences shape the review's outcomes.
Organizations, charities, community groups, and elected representatives can host the sessions and register for an information session later this week on how to run the 'workshop in a box'. Findings and responses must be submitted by July 17. The review team has also reached out to a small number of organizations working with groups less likely to engage with government research.
