A government-commissioned review has proposed that disability benefit claimants should continue to receive cash payments and undergo only a "light-touch initial assessment." The suggestions, part of draft proposals from an expert committee led by social security minister Sir Stephen Timms, aim to address issues within the current system while maintaining cash handouts as the primary form of support.

The review also recommended that the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system should not be means-tested. These proposals are set to be formally published later this autumn.

Separate figures from the Department for Work & Pensions show that the number of people claiming PIP in England and Wales surpassed four million for the first time in June, a figure that has approximately doubled since 2019. Spending on PIP, adjusted for inflation, rose from £16.3 billion in 2019/20 to an estimated £27.3 billion in 2024/25, with projections indicating a further increase to £41.5 billion by 2030/31.

Despite the significant spending, the draft proposals suggest that some claimants might receive services or other 'non-cash support' in addition to monetary payments. The review did call for an increase in capacity for face-to-face assessments and the expansion of "digital services for PIP claimants."

"There will be a light-touch initial assessment to begin understanding a person’s circumstances and direct them to the most appropriate assessment pathway – this will be as simple as possible to reduce the administrative burden," the proposals state.

Further recommendations include allowing carers, family, and friends to provide evidence on behalf of claimants. The review also suggests reducing the number of "unnecessary" benefit reviews for individuals with lifelong or degenerative conditions and ending the practice of suspending PIP payments for those hospitalized for more than 28 consecutive days. It also aims to improve how PIP accounts for "fluctuating conditions."

Sir Stephen, who was appointed to lead the review last year, stated that while PIP is "widely valued," it is "no longer fit for purpose." He noted that some disabled individuals have reported the system creates "barriers to participating fully in work, social and community life."

Charities have responded positively to the draft proposals. The MS Society indicated that the Timms review appears to be "listening to and learning from disabled people."

However, Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately criticized the review, stating it "will do nothing to tackle that abuse or make savings." She argued that the review is a "wasted opportunity" and does not address issues such as "Motability abuse," the continuation of benefits for mild anxiety or ADHD, or the surge in PIP claims for mental health conditions, particularly among young people. Whately characterized Labour's approach as making PIP easier to claim, offering more online assessments, and watering down checks.

The expanding welfare budget, including PIP costs, has become a significant topic in Westminster. Recent polling suggests public support for welfare spending is nearing historic lows, though the same data indicates limited support for cutting benefits for disabled individuals unable to work, implying potential political risks for such measures.