Key Highlights
- The first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be led by disabled people with the appointment of two co-chairs.
- A recruitment process for a wider steering group has been launched to ensure co-production and strategic direction in the review.
- Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs, bringing extensive experience in disability advocacy and policy-making.
- The review aims to make PIP more reflective of modern realities and needs of disabled people.
Background on Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions in the United Kingdom. Introduced over a decade ago, PIP aims to help recipients manage their condition or disability by providing financial assistance for essential items and services.
Government’s Commitment to Involving Disabled People
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has taken significant steps to ensure that the review of PIP is co-produced with disabled people. This initiative reflects a broader commitment by the government to involve those directly affected in shaping policies related to disability.
Appointment of Co-chairs
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs of the Timms Review. Dr Farquharson brings over 25 years of experience in national advocacy for disability rights, while Sharon Brennan has extensive experience from her roles at National Voices and as a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee.
Recruitment Process for Steering Group
A significant aspect of this review is the recruitment process for its wider steering group. The government aims to ensure that disabled people and their organizations have a central role in guiding the review. An Expression of Interest has been launched, inviting applications from individuals with lived experience as well as representatives of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs).
Aims and Scope of the Review
The review seeks to address several key areas, including the fairness and relevance of PIP in today’s context. It will explore how PIP can better enable disabled people to live independently and participate fully in society. Additionally, the review will consider the role of assessments in unlocking wider support for recipients.
Future Implications
The outcome of this review is expected to have significant implications for the administration and management of PIP. It could lead to changes that better reflect the diverse needs of disabled people and ensure that the benefit system remains relevant in an ever-evolving societal landscape.
Government’s Broader Initiatives
In addition to the PIP review, the government is also considering other measures such as reducing the need for full functional assessments through evidence from eligibility for other services. They are also exploring ways to digitalize the transfer of supporting medical evidence from the NHS, aiming to streamline the claim process and reduce administrative burden.
Conclusion
The Timms Review marks a pivotal moment in disability policy-making, highlighting the government’s commitment to involving disabled people in shaping their own support system. As this review progresses, it will be crucial for stakeholders to engage actively to ensure that the final recommendations truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the disabled community.
