The government has paused changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) while a review is underway, meaning millions of claimants may continue receiving up to £749 per month. The review, led by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms, is examining eligibility criteria and the fairness of the system.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the Work and Pensions Committee that an interim report is expected before the summer recess on July 16, with a final report due by the end of the year. He stated: 'I expect an interim report from the Timms review before this summer recess.'
McFadden confirmed that any legislative changes would follow the review, saying: 'If there is legislative change needed, it will come after that.' The review was launched after the government abandoned plans to tighten eligibility for the daily living component of PIP, following opposition from MPs.
When asked if the review was delaying difficult decisions, McFadden responded: 'We were sending a signal to the reviewers not to come forward with a big increase in costs package. There's nothing to stop them coming forward with measures that would reduce costs.'
He highlighted a 'critical question for the system' regarding the rise in claims for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodiverse conditions, asking: 'Is this benefit fit for purpose in the way it's designed in dealing with that variety of conditions?'
