The DWP has issued a call for people with “firsthand” experience to come forward
A deadline is looming on a major DWP ministerial review. Some Brits are being called on to share their “evidence” for The Timms Review – but they only have a few days to complete their submission before the deadline.
The review was launched after Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, was forced to back down in 2025 over proposed cuts to PIP (Personal Independence Payments). The move, designed to cut the welfare bill, led to a backbench revolt that many critics felt undermined the PM’s authority.
Spending on PIP is set to go up from £26bn in 2024-25 to £45bn by 2031, government data shows. But the review announced after the cuts were dropped is not focused on making savings – and officials say they want to involve as many people as possible.
Sir Stephen Timms, who is co-chairing the review, said on X: “We want to hear from people who know this system firsthand: disabled people, carers, people working with organisations that represent or support disabled people, if you’ve claimed PIP, supported someone else to, or worked closely with PIP, we’d really like your insight.”
Sharon Brennan, one of the other co-chairs, added: “So please respond to the call for evidence by the 28th of May and share it with others. So that as many people’s views and experiences as possible can help shape the future.”
Timms emphasised that disabled people and carers’ views on the PIP system are being particularly sought after because “we want to put lived experience at the heart of the review”. But other people such as doctors, researchers and elected officials are also invited to share their perspectives as a part of the system.
Sir Stephen added: “We want to hear from anyone who has something to say about PIP.” Evidence can include things like written submissions, existing data or unpublished analysis or reports.
People interested in responding to the call for evidence can do so online, via email or by post. Once the call for evidence closes, the steering group working with the co-chairs will review what has been submitted and a summary will be published by the DWP to shape the next stage of the review.
The review is due be shared with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026. Officials say the Timms Review is the first of its kind looking into the disability benefit since it was started.
It is meant to ensure that PIP is “fair and fit for the future”. It also aims to recommend ways the system can better support disabled people to have higher living standards and greater independence as they face rising costs in the modern world.
PIP supports people with long-term disabilities and health conditions to help cover the added costs of living and reduced earning capacity that these conditions often cause. Officials say it’s not means-tested to encourage people to try working without fearing it will automatically disqualify them for their benefits.
