DWP Appoints 12 Disability Experts to Lead First Full PIP Review
The Department for Work and Pensions has taken a significant step towards reforming disability support by appointing twelve expert advisors to lead the first comprehensive review of Personal Independence Payment since its introduction in 2013. This landmark initiative, known as the Timms Review, aims to modernise the system with recommendations scheduled for publication in Autumn 2026.
Co-Produced Approach to Disability Reform
Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, is championing a co-produced methodology for this crucial evaluation. The steering group comprises individuals with substantial lived experience of disability alongside professionals from welfare policy, advocacy, and accessibility sectors. This diverse composition ensures that claimant perspectives remain central throughout the review process.
The primary objective is to assess whether current PIP assessment criteria accurately reflect the contemporary realities and health challenges faced by disabled individuals today. The review will examine how the benefit can better support independent living and improve health outcomes for recipients.
Addressing Changing Demographics and Sustainability
Officials have highlighted significant demographic shifts within the PIP system, noting that the number of recipients has increased by 50% since 2019, with projections suggesting this figure could exceed four million by 2030. The review will investigate these evolving trends to ensure the system remains both sustainable and effective for future generations.
Key areas of examination include:
- Current assessment criteria and their relevance to modern disability challenges
- System sustainability within existing expenditure forecasts
- Integration with wider benefit support structures
- Methods to improve access to comprehensive support services
Holistic Support Beyond Financial Assistance
Beyond evaluating eligibility criteria, the expert group will explore how assessments can facilitate better access to broader support across the entire benefits system. This represents a shift toward a more integrated support structure that moves beyond simple financial assistance to address the multifaceted needs of disabled individuals.
The steering group's work will culminate in a final report containing recommendations for the Secretary of State, expected by Autumn 2026. An interim update will be provided beforehand to outline preliminary findings and proposed directions for reform.
This comprehensive review marks a pivotal moment in disability benefit reform, with the potential to reshape how Personal Independence Payment supports millions of disabled people across the country for years to come.
