The government's landmark review of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will conclude that disability benefits in England and Wales are 'not fit for purpose' and the entire assessment system must be redrawn, The Guardian understands.
Key findings of the Timms review
The review, led by disability minister Stephen Timms, will find that the points-based assessment system is 'in effect worthless' due to the rising number of new conditions, particularly mental health issues, that fluctuate in severity. The process is described as 'dehumanising' for disabled people and actively hinders them from seeking work.
Commissioned after Keir Starmer's U-turn on welfare cuts last June, the review was prepared with disabled people and charities. An interim report is expected this week, with recommendations for a new system due in autumn.
Flaws in the current system
The current PIP system awards points based on severity for mobility and daily living activities like washing and dressing. Campaigners argue that criteria such as navigating a route or planning a budget, originally intended for learning disabilities, now cover mental health conditions where ability varies daily.
The review's conclusions make it likely the government will abandon a harsher points-based system in favour of more radical welfare reform. The Department for Work and Pensions declined to comment on the interim report.
Need for bold changes
'Pip is not working for disabled people or for the government and bold changes are needed,' the report will state. 'Our message is simple: Pip is not working. It is not working for the people that go through the process, nor for a government committed to supporting disabled people.'
The review has two co-chairs and a 12-member steering group of people with disabilities or long-term conditions. One major finding is that the points-based system has not kept pace with fluctuating and less visible conditions, including physical conditions like cystic fibrosis and arthritis.
Growing caseload and public confidence
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit for adults with long-term conditions to cover additional costs. About 4 million adults now receive it, double the 2019 figure. The review received over 38,000 submissions, with most reporting negative assessment experiences.
The government has signalled it wants to abolish the work capability assessment and create a single assessment for PIP and the health component of Universal Credit, while expanding face-to-face assessments.
The review will stress low public confidence in PIP, saying the assessment process incentivises people to emphasise the worst aspects of their conditions, acting as a barrier to seeking work. It will call for a system that enables disabled people to 'participate, contribute and live well'.
