The Timms Review will analyse whether the PIP system is fair, effective and fit for the future
The Government has released an update on a review that could change a major benefit that millions of people in the UK rely upon. The Timms Review was established last October, headed by Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, to examine whether Personal Independence Payments are fair and suitable for the future.
The review has the potential to transform the benefit that almost four million disabled people across the UK depend upon. This marks the first comprehensive review of PIP, launched following significant opposition to Liz Kendall’s welfare reforms last year, which proposed modifications to PIP eligibility criteria that would have impacted approximately a million individuals.
It has now been confirmed that PIP will remain unchanged until the Timms Review reaches its conclusion. With the final report anticipated this autumn, those leading the review have released their initial update, offering concerned disabled individuals their first insight into the process that could fundamentally affect their circumstances.
The latest statement observed: “As the newly appointed co-chairs of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), we are writing to update you on its progress. The aim of this review is to ensure that PIP is fair and fit for the future, and reflects the reality of people’s conditions and their goals and ambitions.
“We recognise how important this review is to many disabled people, carers, families, and organisations, which is why we are committed to co-producing it with disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO), and a wide range of experts by experience. This letter is the first in a series of updates we will publish as part of our commitment to transparency.”
The update confirmed arrangements for a ‘steering group’ that will guide the review and ensure disabled people’s voices and expertise remain central to proceedings. The panel will comprise 12 members, selected from more than 340 applications submitted during last year’s Expression of Interest window.
Working alongside the review’s co-chairs, this group will develop “a wider programme of participation that ensures a full range of voices, experiences, and views can meaningfully shape the Review’s work”.
The statement added: “We will finalise membership shortly, and all applicants will be informed of the outcome. Our next newsletter will introduce the appointed steering group members.”
The statement also announced an external organisation will be joining the Review to help facilitate the co-production programme. It concluded: “The review aims to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026 and we have committed to reporting its outcomes to Parliament.”
Last October, the Government announced the review would be headed by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability at the Department for Work and Pensions, working with two co-chairs: Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
Sharon brings extensive experience from the health and care sector, having previously served as Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices and as an adviser to the Department for Transport on accessibility matters through her membership of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee. Dr Clenton has championed disability rights, co-production and social justice on a national scale for over 20 years.
His roles include being a board member of the National Development Team for Inclusion, Associate Director at Think Local Act Personal, and a Trustee of Disability Rights UK.
