DWP Minister Stephen Timms has issued a statement regarding legal changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), confirming that a sweeping review of the benefit is underway and will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026.
The review, which is being co-produced with disabled people, organisations, carers, clinicians, and MPs, aims to reform PIP to make it fairer and more accurately reflect the experiences of those with long-term health conditions. Mr Timms emphasised that the government is not entering the review with fixed outcomes and cannot pre-empt its conclusions.
Responding to a written question from Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley, Mr Timms stated that it is not possible at this stage to determine what legislative vehicle—whether a statutory instrument or a bill—would be required to implement any changes arising from the review.
The minister confirmed that the review's outcomes will be reported to Parliament, where a general debate will be held in government time. He stressed that the review seeks to ensure the system supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards, and greater independence, including through employment.
PIP payments consist of daily living and mobility components, each with lower and higher rates. The maximum weekly amount is £194.60, equivalent to £10,119.20 annually or £778.40 per four-week payment period.
