‘Dehumanising’ failures imply predominant incapacity profit PIP shouldn’t be working, main overview finds
A new report by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms said the process claiming of personal independence payment (PIP) benefits is often “dehumanising”, “soul destroying”, and “degrading” to claimants.
A long-awaited review has found huge failings in the PIP system(Image: Getty Images )
The main disability benefit is failing claimants and is “not fit for purpose”, a major report has warned.
DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms’s review said the process claiming of personal independence payment (PIP) benefits is often “dehumanising”, “soul destroying”, and “degrading” to claimants.
The Timms review, which draws on more than 38,000 responses, said PIP, the main disability benefit, was introduced in 2013 to help towards the extra costs of disability and support independent living. But it said it has never been fully reviewed despite shifting trends in health and disability.
The findings of the review come a year after Keir Starmer was forced to abandon plans to slash £5billion from sickness and disability benefits following a major Labour rebellion.
The U-turn – leaving the welfare bill in tatters – was one of the one of the most destabilising moments during Mr Starmer’s premiership and left his authority weakened.
It was announced at the time any changes to the PIP benefit would be delayed until the Timms review examined the system and reported back with recommendations – due in autumn 2026.
Publishing his interim review today, Sir Stephen said: “This interim report delivers a clear message: while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is not working as intended and needs fundamental change.
“Our work so far has been informed by a wide range of evidence, expertise, and insight to ensure we hear from as many disabled people as possible across the country, including through workshops, engagement and a call for evidence which attracted more than 38,000 responses.
“I’m grateful to my fellow co-chairs and the steering group for their intensive work and look forward to the Review’s final report being delivered in the autumn.”
The review team said their recommendations will be “bold in nature and bold in recognition of the wider environment in which disabled people in the UK are living”.
They said: “Our message is simple: Pip is not working.
“It is not working for the people that go through the process, nor for a Government committed to supporting disabled people.
“We are committed to making changes so that Pip can fulfil its purpose for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, both now and into the future.
“Doing so will require us to be radical in our thinking and bold in our recommendations for reform.”
The team, which includes Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson who both have lived experience of disability, said feedback from almost 40,000 people and organisations had found more than 90% described negative experiences of the process of claiming the benefit.
The review stated: “Our evidence so far tells us that while Pip is widely valued as a benefit, it is no longer fit for purpose.”
