The government's landmark review of Personal Independence Payments (Pip) is set to conclude that the current disability benefits system in England and Wales is 'not fit for purpose' and requires a radical overhaul. The review, led by disability minister Stephen Timms, will call for the entire assessment process to be redrawn, describing it as 'dehumanising' for disabled people.
According to sources, the review will find that the points-based assessment system is effectively worthless due to the rising number of conditions—particularly mental health issues—that fluctuate in severity. The system currently awards points based on mobility and daily living activities, but campaigners argue it fails to account for conditions where ability varies day-to-day.
The interim report, expected this week, will state that Pip is not working for disabled people or the government. It will recommend bold changes, though its remit prevents suggestions that would increase overall welfare spending. The review was commissioned after Keir Starmer's government faced a rebellion over proposed cuts to Pip last summer.
The review, which received over 38,000 submissions from disabled people, will highlight that the system has not kept pace with fluctuating and less visible conditions, including physical ailments like cystic fibrosis and arthritis. It will propose a new system that 'adequately reflects the diverse reality and needs of disabled people today'.
Currently, about 4 million adults receive Pip, double the number in 2019. The government has previously indicated it wants to abolish the work capability assessment and introduce a single assessment for Pip and Universal Credit, while expanding face-to-face assessments.
