The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are still being considered and that no final decisions have been made on future eligibility arrangements.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms provided the update in a letter to Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, following questions about the ongoing review of the disability benefit. The letter, dated October 13, confirms that the recommendations published on September 9 are initial proposals and remain subject to further testing and refinement with disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and organisations representing them.
Review process and timeline
The review, led by Sir Stephen, is examining the future of PIP, including the assessment process and how the benefit supports people with additional costs arising from disability or long-term health conditions. The minister confirmed that the steering group is continuing to gather feedback before presenting its final recommendations to the Secretary of State later this autumn.
In his response to the committee, Sir Stephen said: “The emerging recommendations published on 9 September are not the final recommendations of the Review. They are emerging initial ideas.”
He added: “No final decisions have been taken on future entitlement arrangements, including for people who currently receive support through the Substantial Risk provisions.”
Future PIP eligibility
The minister also reaffirmed the review's position that PIP should remain a non-means-tested benefit paid in cash to help people meet the additional costs associated with disability. One of the issues raised by the committee concerned future entitlement arrangements, including people receiving support through the Substantial Risk provisions.
Sir Stephen stated: “However, the Review is clear that PIP should remain a flexible, non-means tested benefit that provides a cash contribution towards the extra costs faced by D/deaf and disabled people and people with long term health conditions.” This reflects the position of the review rather than a final decision by the UK Government on future PIP arrangements. There have been no changes to PIP eligibility or payment rates announced in the minister's letter.
Involvement of disabled people
The minister also addressed questions about the involvement of disabled people and representative organisations in developing the recommendations. He confirmed that almost all members of the review's steering group have lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions. According to the letter, members have equal voting rights, with key decisions taken on the basis of one member, one vote.
The review has also gathered evidence through workshops, roundtables and engagement with Disabled People's Organisations. Sir Stephen said the final report will explain how the evidence gathered has influenced the recommendations put forward to the Government. He has offered to meet the Work and Pensions Committee before the final report is published to provide a further update on the review's progress.
PIP and Adult Disability Payment in Scotland
PIP is administered by the DWP for eligible people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, working-age disability assistance is delivered through Adult Disability Payment (ADP), administered by Social Security Scotland. People receiving ADP are not subject to the DWP's PIP assessment system, and any future changes to PIP eligibility would not automatically apply to ADP claimants. The Scottish Government is responsible for the eligibility criteria and administration of Adult Disability Payment.
The Timms Review is expected to publish its final recommendations later this autumn. The UK Government will then need to consider any proposals before decisions are made about potential changes to PIP.
