Sir Stephen Timms has confirmed how the Timms Review will work

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a fresh update for claimants affected by two common conditions, reassuring them that the next Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review will take into account their daily living experiences.

The current Timms Review, headed by Sir Stephen Timms, seeks to re-examine the eligibility requirements for PIP, the benefit which assists people with long-term health conditions or disabilities. Sir Stephen has stressed that individuals affected by arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions will have their “lived experiences” treated with seriousness during the process.

Labour MP James Naish expressed concerns in Parliament, questioning what steps would guarantee the review properly represents the requirements of people with these conditions.

He said: “What steps will the Minister take to ensure that the Timms Review adequately takes account of the needs of those living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions?”

In his reply, Sir Stephen confirmed that disabled individuals and relevant organisations would be actively engaged in influencing the review’s findings, reports the Express.

The Minister of State at the DWP added: “For the Timms Review to be a success, lived experience must be at the heart of its work. To do this, we are co-producing the Review with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs, and other stakeholders.”

The review has recently strengthened its leadership team through the appointment of co-chairs Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. A steering group is being established to oversee the process, shape the review’s framework, and establish its recommendations.

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Whilst the steering group’s final membership has yet to be confirmed, the DWP indicated it will shortly provide updates before the group’s first meeting. The group will enable broader engagement, ensuring a wide range of experiences shapes the review’s conclusions.

The Timms Review was initiated after proposed PIP reforms were withdrawn from last year’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. Officials anticipate the review’s findings to be published this autumn.

According to NHS England, more than 20 million people in the UK, nearly one third of the population, have a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or back pain. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, restricted movement, and disability which impact quality of life and independence.

More than 30 million working days are lost due to MSK conditions annually in the UK. Recent DWP data reveals that approximately 19% of PIP claims are connected to general musculoskeletal disorders, with a further 12% relating to problems in particular areas, such as wrist or neck injuries.

These conditions frequently render daily activities challenging and painful.