The DWP is carrying out a major review and one of its ministers has updated Parliament on what is happening
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reiterated that no shake-ups to Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) will happen until a “comprehensive review” wraps up. The deadline is set for Autumn 2026.
Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms is set to spearhead the review alongside disabled people, charities, specialists and key players across the board, reports the Daily Record. His words came after Tory MP Blake Stephenson asked him about the “potential impact of the Personal Independence Payments Bill on public finances”.
Sir Stephen said: “Clause 5 of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would have amended the legal framework underpinning PIP assessments, specifically by implementing a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP.”
But he added: “In light of the concerns raised, we have removed clause 5 from the Bill in Committee.” There had been widespread criticism among Labour MPs of initial plans to reform PIP.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government ditched a vote on the original plans as it faced defeat in the Commons. Instead, it decided to carry out a review of possible changes.
The minister added: “Any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, led by myself and co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard.”
He stressed the review’s mission: “This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future.”
Changes to tax benefits for those using the Motability Scheme will be implemented in July 2026, but this will only impact new users – all existing leases will remain untouched.
