Chancellor John Healey has confirmed the UK Government will publish a welfare reform White Paper early next year, with legislation to follow later in 2027, after considering the findings of two major reviews.
Speaking during his Autumn Budget on Wednesday, the Chancellor said the final reports from the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Alan Milburn's independent review into young people and work will be published in November. Ministers will respond to both reviews before the end of 2026, with proposals for further welfare reform outlined in a White Paper early next year.
Chancellor's announcement in the House of Commons
Addressing MPs in the House of Commons, Mr Healey said: "Alan Milburn and the Timms panel will publish their final reports next month." He added: "This government will then set out our response before the end of the year, with a White Paper and legislation to follow next year."
The Chancellor's announcement was also confirmed in the Budget 2026 document published on GOV.UK, which outlined the UK Government's intention to make further changes to the welfare system. It stated: "The government is committed to further reforming the welfare system so that it proactively supports those in need, while supporting those who can work into work to bring down the welfare bill in a sustainable and fair way."
The Budget also highlighted the UK Government's intention to improve support for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, alongside measures aimed at helping more young people into employment.
Timms Review of PIP
The Timms Review, led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, is examining the purpose of PIP and how the benefit could better support disabled people. The review is being co-produced with disabled people and their organisations and is considering whether the current assessment system adequately reflects the additional costs and challenges associated with disability.
Its terms of reference published on GOV.UK confirmed it will examine the activities, descriptors and points used to determine entitlement, alongside the evidence considered during assessments. The review will also consider how any recommendations might apply to existing claimants undergoing reassessments, as well as people making new applications.
The Budget referred to the review's interim findings, which concluded PIP was "no longer fit for purpose" and had failed to keep pace with changes in disability, health and work. The UK Government said it took those findings seriously and confirmed changes to support for people with disabilities and health conditions would follow the review's final report.
Alan Milburn review into young people and work
The second review, led by former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, is examining the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, particularly those with disabilities and long-term health conditions. The review's terms of reference confirmed it is investigating the reasons behind rising economic inactivity among disabled young people and identifying barriers preventing them from entering employment or education.
It is also examining how the welfare, health, skills and employment systems could better support young people and improve opportunities for work. The Budget highlighted Mr Milburn's interim findings, including his conclusion "the welfare system should be more than a safety net. It should be a springboard."
The UK Government said nearly one million young people are currently not in education, employment or training and confirmed further investment aimed at improving employment opportunities. This includes £100 million over two years to expand local apprenticeship services, alongside existing measures to support eligible young Universal Credit claimants into employment.
