The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a wider six-part evidence and engagement programme for the review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Individuals claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will have multiple opportunities to share their views beyond a written consultation. It follows the UK Government’s confirming an expanded approach to collecting evidence for its comprehensive review of the benefit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced the Timms Review will be underpinned by a six-part “evidence and engagement programme” intended to ensure it captures “as many perspectives and experiences as possible”.
The review, headed by Sir Stephen Timms, marks the first complete examination of PIP since its launch in 2013 and is anticipated to deliver its findings later this year. It will assess how the benefit is functioning and whether it remains suitable for future needs. Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment
In addition to the current Call for Evidence, which remains open until 28 May, the DWP has now detailed further avenues through which disabled people, carers and organisations can participate.
Beyond written responses, the programme will feature a new nationally representative survey, commissioned via independent research organisation NatCen, to gather a broader spectrum of claimant experiences, reports the Daily Record.
There will also be organised workshops and discussion sessions with charities, specialists and those with lived experience to examine issues more thoroughly.
To broaden engagement even further, the DWP is launching a “workshop in a box” toolkit, enabling organisations and community groups to facilitate their own sessions and submit findings to the review. The DWP will also draw upon existing research, including academic studies and data already held by the UK Government, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how PIP is functioning in practice.
Further engagement activities, incorporating accessible formats and face-to-face opportunities, are planned to ensure participants can contribute in ways that best suit their individual needs.
In a statement published on GOV.UK, the review team indicated that the approach is designed to go beyond conventional consultations by combining statistical evidence with first-hand experiences of the benefits system.
PIP is intended to assist with the additional costs associated with living with a long-term health condition or disability, and is paid irrespective of whether the recipient is in employment.
A successful PIP claim is currently worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, equating to between £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week payment period.
The number of individuals receiving PIP has climbed to more than 3.9 million, with expenditure forecast to continue rising, prompting ministers to commission a full review.
The DWP has confirmed that no decisions have yet been reached regarding potential changes, and any recommendations will be guided by the evidence gathered throughout the review process.
A steering group comprising disabled people, charities and policy experts is also providing support for the review, with the government stating that the work is being co-produced alongside individuals with direct experience of the system.
The Call for Evidence remains open until 28 May, with findings anticipated to inform recommendations later in 2026. Ultimate decisions on any potential reforms will be made by ministers following the publication of the review’s report.
Views can be submitted via GOV.UK.
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