The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new initiative to gather views from disabled people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as part of the ongoing Timms Review. The review, which aims to assess whether the benefit is fair and fit for the future, is expected to publish its findings later this year and could significantly impact the approximately 3.9 million claimants.
Following a call for evidence that closed last month with 38,000 responses, the DWP is now encouraging organisations to host workshops using newly developed resources. These 'workshop in a box' kits are designed to help community groups, charities, and elected representatives facilitate discussions where disabled people can share their lived experiences.
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. He stated, “That is why we are co-producing this review with disabled people every step of the way — to make sure that PIP is truly fair and fit for the future.”
Co-chair Sharon Brennan highlighted the need to reach marginalised communities and those who may not typically engage with government consultations. “We hope this new engagement method allows people to have conversations that matter with the organisations that they most trust so their lived experiences can shape the outcomes of our Review,” she said.
Organisations interested in hosting a workshop can sign up for an information session later this week. Insights and responses must be submitted by July 17. The review team has also directly contacted a small number of organisations that work with groups less likely to access government research.
