First Comprehensive Review of Personal Independence Payment Launched
The UK government has initiated its first thorough examination of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a crucial financial support system for disabled individuals. A new steering group composed of twelve members, who possess personal experience with disability, has been appointed to guide this significant review, which aims to ensure that PIP remains equitable and relevant moving forward. The review is set to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026.
Steering Group Composition
The newly formed steering group will provide strategic guidance and focus on priority areas for the Timms Review. Members include a diverse mix of individuals who have extensive experience within Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), bringing a breadth of knowledge covering aspects such as welfare policy and advocacy. Among the appointed members are:
- Dr Mark Brookes MBE, Advocacy Lead, Dimensions UK
- George Fielding, Disability rights advocate and Non-Executive Advisor
- Tara Flood, Head of Co-production, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
- Mark Fosbrook, Disability Inclusion Manager, West Midlands Combined Authority
- Ben Geiger, Professor of Social Science and Health, King’s College London
- Katrina Gilman, National Officer for Disability Equality, UNISON
- Jean-André Prager, Senior Fellow, Policy Exchange and Director, Flint Global
- Dr Lucy Reynolds, Chair of Board of Trustees, Disability North, and Founder, We Are All Disabled CIC
- Dr Felix Shi, Lecturer in Management, Bangor University
- Dr Dharshana Sridhar, Head of Public Affairs, Spinal Injuries Association
- Phil Stevens, CEO, Disability Action Haringey, and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Disability Action in Islington
- Leila Talmadge, Founder and former Director, Autistic Knowledge Development CIC
Objectives of the Review
The Timms Review intends to evaluate the role of PIP in enabling disabled individuals to achieve better health and maintain their independence. It will reassess the assessment criteria for PIP, with an eye towards how these can effectively provide access to appropriate support throughout the benefits system. An interim report will be produced before the final findings are presented in late 2026.
Ministerial Insights
Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, emphasised the commitment to centre the voices of disabled individuals within the review process. He highlighted the need for a system that accurately reflects contemporary realities of living with a disability, ensuring that it supports independence and dignity.
Co-chair Sharon Brennan reiterated the importance of inclusivity, noting that while the twelve-member group represents a variety of backgrounds, additional engagement will be crucial to capturing a wider range of experiences throughout the review.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, also a co-chair of the review, acknowledged the significance of PIP in facilitating independent living for disabled people. He stressed the necessity of assessing whether the current system is fair and reflective of modern challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Background on Personal Independence Payment
PIP was first introduced in 2013 and serves as vital financial support for disabled people in the UK. Since its launch, the number of individuals claiming PIP has surged, doubling the rate of disability prevalence in working-age adults within England and Wales. Current figures indicate that PIP claims among working-age adults soared from two million in 2019 to an expected four million by the end of this decade.
This review is essential not only for assuring the effectiveness of PIP but also for advocating for the rights and well-being of disabled individuals across the UK.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/disability-experts-appointed-to-lead-first-ever-full-review-of-personal-independence-payment
