A British minister responsible for reforming the disability benefits system has been criticized for stating that the current level of welfare spending is "not a great concern." Sir Stephen Timms, who is auditing the personal independence payment (PIP) system, made the remarks in a BBC interview on Thursday.
Britain's disability benefits bill has nearly doubled since 2019, rising from £15 billion in 2019-2020 to an estimated £26 billion in 2024-2025. Government forecasts project this figure to exceed £41 billion by 2030. The number of individuals claiming PIP has also surpassed four million for the first time this year.
Timms acknowledged that a continued increase in spending would be a concern that needs addressing. He also stated that the review's objective is to make PIP fair for both recipients and taxpayers. However, he declined to commit to reducing the number of PIP claimants, indicating that the review's recommendations would be revealed later.
The Timms review, partially published on Thursday, did not specify how cost savings would be achieved through reforms.
Critics, including the shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately and Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson, have accused the Labour minister of being "deluded" and "in denial." They argue that the spiraling welfare bill is a significant concern for the government and that Labour lacks a clear plan to manage or reduce it.
Lee Anderson stated that Timms's comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of the government's spending priorities. Shimeon Lee of the TaxPayers' Alliance expressed concern that the review might be a "whitewash" and could further burden the welfare system and taxpayers.
A Labour source defended the party's approach, asserting that the Conservative government oversaw the largest increase in the welfare bill and failed to reform the system, which the current Labour government is now attempting to fix.