The Minister for Disability and Social Security appeared at Naidex last month to provide an update on the Timms Review, the first-ever full review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) since its introduction in 2013.
Sir Stephen Timms, co-chair of the review’s steering group, outlined details of a call for evidence, which opened on March 19, to enable people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, to share their experiences of the benefit.
Evidence gathered will inform the group’s final recommendations, due to be published in the autumn, with the aim of ensuring PIP is fair, effective and fit for the future.
“We need to hear from the widest possible variety of voices in order to design a fair benefit that provides the right support for people,” Sir Stephen told delegates on the second day of Naidex.
The call for evidence - which runs until 28 May - is built around the four themes identified by the steering group, with evidence sought on topics including, but not limited to:
- How effectively PIP is delivering on its intended purpose
- Whether the PIP assessment provides fair access to the right support
- Whether the experience of claiming PIP varies for different groups
- How the changes in the workplace and wider society have impacted PIP since its launch in 2013.
Sir Stephen described this as the first step in a wider, accessible programme of engagement.
“The steering group is meeting today to discuss ideas for a broader programme of engagement to involve more people from across the country. There will be updates on this as soon as those details are finalised,” he said.
“The three co-chairs are also issuing regular open letters to update the public on how we are progressing with the review. What the group doesn’t want is to be beavering away in secret – we want this to be an open process where people know what we are up to and have the chance to contribute.”
Responses to the call for evidence can be submitted here. Alternative formats, including large print, BSL and easy read, can be requested via
PIP is currently claimed by 3.8 million people. The benefit is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability.
The Timms Review is the first to be co-produced with disabled people and the organisations that represent them.
There are 15 members on the steering group, including Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, a leading disability rights advocate, and Sharon Brennan, former Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices.