The UK government says “disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review” of personal independence payment (PIP) as it today launches an Expression of Interest for the review’s steering group.
The government is looking to recruit 12 members to the steering group – comprising mostly disabled people or representatives of organisations for disabled people – to co-produce and help direct the PIP review.
The aim of the review is to “make sure PIP fairly reflects the reality of the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world”, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The DWP added: “It will look at the role of PIP in enabling disabled people to live independently and fully participate in society, as well as the role of the assessment in unlocking wider support.”
Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, leading the review, said: “We’re ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the same opportunities, choices, and chances as everyone else.
“That’s why we’re putting them at the heart of the first ever full review of PIP – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.”
“Fixing the real challenges”
However, Epilepsy Action says it hopes the review is not used to make it more difficult for disabled people to access PIP.
Daniel Jennings, senior policy and campaigns officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “We are glad steps are being taken to look again at how PIP works, and to hopefully improve the system so that it properly reflects the needs of people with fluctuating and invisible conditions like epilepsy.
“This year, we launched our Don’t Take the PIP campaign to ensure this vital support isn’t cut for those who need it. It reached 40 MPs and helped support their opposition of the initial plans to cut benefits set out by the government.
“Now, we hope that the review provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to engage beyond just those on the steering group, and focuses on fixing the real challenges people face with the current system.
“We would really encourage those with lived experiences to apply to be part of the steering group, and to share their stories so this process reflects what daily life is really like.
“What matters most is making PIP fairer and more supportive and not putting up more barriers for people that need support to live well.”
“Empowers rather than frustrates”
Alongside Stephen Timms, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs of the review.
Dr Farquharson has more than 25 years’ experience as a national advocate for disability rights, and is a trustee of Disability Rights UK, alongside other work. He said the review is an opportunity to “ensure PIP reflects the everyday realities of disabled people’s lives”.
“I’m committed to working with my fellow co-chairs and the steering group so this benefit becomes something that empowers rather than frustrates: a system built on dignity, fairness, and trust,” he added.
Sharon Brennan has worked as director of policy and external affairs at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, and has been a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee.
She said: “As a disabled person myself, I know from experience that disabled people are often disregarded on issues that affect them, so I am delighted that with this review, we will see them leading the conversation.”
The Expression of Interest will run for four weeks, and is looking for people of a range of expertise, experience, skills and backgrounds, particularly disabled people and people involved with disabled people’s organisations.
The Timms Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Autumn 2026.
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