The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that the Timms Review is expected to deliver an interim report before the Parliament recess on July 16. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden shared this timeline with the Work and Pensions Committee.
McFadden stated, “I expect an interim report from the Timms Review before this summer recess.” He also confirmed that a final report will follow by the end of the year, adding, “If there is legislative change needed, it will come after that.”
The government initiated the Timms Review to evaluate the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, ensuring it remains fair, relevant, and sustainable amid evolving social and workplace dynamics. PIP provides financial support to individuals facing the additional costs of disability or long-term health conditions, remaining a non-means-tested benefit available to people both in and out of work.
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Despite changes in disability trends and societal shifts, PIP has not undergone a comprehensive review until now. McFadden emphasized that the review is not aimed at increasing overall costs: “There’s nothing to stop them coming forward with measures that would reduce costs. We didn’t want them to come forward with a review that simply said let’s pay much more into the system.”
A key focus of the review is the rise in conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodiversity among claimants. McFadden highlighted, “Is this benefit fit for purpose in the way it’s designed to deal with that variety of conditions? I think that’s a very interesting question for the reviewers.”
The Timms Review will ensure lived experience is central by working closely with disabled individuals, advocacy groups, carers, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament, and other stakeholders throughout the process.