The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided a significant update on a major independent review that could lead to sweeping changes for a benefit relied upon by millions of disabled people across the United Kingdom.
What is the Timms Review of PIP?
The Timms Review, formally established in October of last year, represents the first comprehensive examination of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system since its introduction. Its core mission is to determine whether the benefit is fair, effective, and fit for the future. The review is being led by Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, alongside two co-chairs.
This pivotal inquiry was launched following considerable controversy over proposed welfare reforms by the government last year. Those earlier plans, which suggested altering PIP eligibility, were met with strong opposition as they threatened to affect around a million claimants. It has now been confirmed that PIP will remain unchanged until the Timms Review concludes its work.
First Insights and Steering Group Announced
In their first public progress statement, the review's co-chairs, Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, emphasised their commitment to transparency and co-production. "We recognise how important this review is to many disabled people, carers, families, and organisations," they stated, pledging to work directly with disabled people and Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs).
A crucial step forward is the formation of a 12-member steering group, selected from over 340 applications. This panel is tasked with ensuring the voices and lived experiences of disabled people are central to the review's process. The group will help develop a wider participation programme to shape the inquiry's direction meaningfully.
The update also confirmed that an external organisation will be brought in to support the co-production efforts, underscoring the review's user-focused approach.
Timeline and Potential Impact
The review is on track to deliver its final report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026, with findings subsequently presented to Parliament. The outcomes hold the potential to fundamentally transform PIP, a benefit that nearly four million people across the UK depend on for support with extra living costs arising from long-term health conditions or disabilities.
The co-chairs reiterated the review's ultimate goal: to ensure PIP "reflects the reality of people's conditions and their goals and ambitions." With the steering group soon to be finalised and further updates promised, the process is now moving into a critical phase of direct engagement.
