A government-ordered review has suggested that disability benefit claimants should continue to receive cash payments and undergo only a "light-touch initial assessment." The proposals, from a review led by social security minister Sir Stephen Timms, also indicate that the Personal Independence Payment (Pip) system should not be means-tested.
These draft recommendations come ahead of a full report expected later this autumn. They aim to address concerns about the cost and efficiency of the welfare system. Figures from the Department for Work & Pensions showed that the number of Pip claimants in England and Wales surpassed four million, a figure that has roughly doubled since 2019. Spending on Pip has risen significantly, from an inflation-adjusted £16.3 billion in 2019/20 to an estimated £27.3 billion in 2024/25, with projections indicating a rise to £41.5 billion by 2030/31.
Despite these rising costs, the review's draft proposals suggest that some claimants would receive services or "non-cash support" in addition to cash payments. The review did, however, call for an increase in face-to-face assessments and the development of more digital services for Pip claimants. The initial assessment is intended to be as simple as possible to understand a claimant's circumstances and guide them to the appropriate assessment pathway, thereby reducing administrative burdens. The proposals also suggest allowing carers, family, and friends to provide evidence of a claimant's eligibility.
Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately criticized the review, stating, "Welfare should be a safety net for disabled people. Instead, the system is being abused." She argued that the review would not tackle abuse or lead to savings, calling it a "wasted opportunity." Whately specifically pointed to a lack of plans for transitioning from cash handouts to other forms of support, no action on "Motability abuse," and no changes regarding benefits for conditions like mild anxiety or ADHD. She expressed concern about the surge in Pip claims for mental health conditions, particularly among young people, and characterized Labour's approach as making Pip easier to claim and watering down checks.
Sir Stephen, who was appointed to lead the review last year, acknowledged that Pip is "widely valued" but stated it is "no longer fit for purpose." He noted that some disabled individuals have reported that the current system creates "barriers to participating fully in work, social and community life."
Charitable organizations have reacted positively to the draft proposals. The MS Society commented that the Timms review is "listening to and learning from disabled people."
Additional recommendations from the Timms review include reducing the number of "unnecessary" benefit reviews for individuals with lifelong or degenerative conditions. It also proposes ending the "unnecessary stress" caused by rules that suspend Pip payments for those in hospital for more than 28 consecutive days and improving how Pip accounts for "fluctuating conditions."
The increasing welfare budget, including Pip costs, has become a significant political issue. The level of individual Pip payments varies based on how a person's condition affects their daily tasks and mobility, ranging from £30.30 to £194.60 per week. A recent British Social Attitudes survey indicated that public support for welfare spending is nearing historic lows, although there is little support for cutting benefits for disabled people unable to work, suggesting that significant cuts to disability benefits could be politically risky for any government.