The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an appeal to disabled individuals claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to take part in workshops that will inform the Timms Review. This review is examining whether the disability benefit is 'fair and fit for the future' and could significantly impact the lives of approximately 3.9 million claimants. The findings are expected to be published later this year.
Call for Evidence and Workshops
Following an official call for evidence that closed last month with 38,000 responses, the DWP is now seeking further input through community workshops. These sessions are designed to gather the views and lived experiences of disabled people, which will 'shape' the review's outcomes. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, who co-chairs the review, emphasised the importance of hearing from disabled people across the UK to ensure PIP is truly fair and fit for the future.
Three Key Themes
The workshops will focus on three key themes: what PIP is for, what it is like to apply for PIP, and how decisions for PIP are made. While the workshops are primarily aimed at disabled people, organisations are encouraged to adapt them for carers, advisors, and others with relevant experience of PIP.
New resources have been launched to help organisations and communities run these events. Co-chair Sharon Brennan stressed the need to hear from as many people as possible, especially those from marginalised communities or who are less comfortable engaging with government-led consultations. She hopes this new engagement method will allow people to have conversations with organisations they trust, ensuring their lived experiences shape the review's outcomes.
How to Participate
Organisations, charities, community groups, and elected representatives can host sessions and sign up for an information session later this week on how to conduct the 'workshop in a box'. Insights and responses must be submitted by July 17. The review team has also reached out to a small number of organisations that engage with groups less likely to access government research or public consultations.
