The DWP is urging people to get in contact
The Timms Review is currently under way – and the deadline is nearing. Some Brits are being urged to submit their “evidence”, but they have just a matter of days remaining before the deadline closes.
Sir Stephen Timms, who is co-chairing the review, wrote on X: “We want to hear from people who know this system firsthand: disabled people, carers, people working with organisations that represent or support disabled people, if you’ve claimed PIP, supported someone else to, or worked closely with PIP, we’d really like your insight.”
Sharon Brennan, one of the other co-chairs, added: “So please respond to the call for evidence by the 28th of May and share it with others. So that as many people’s views and experiences as possible can help shape the future.”
The review was launched after Sir Keir Starmer was forced to scrap proposed cuts to PIP (Personal Independence Payments) after a backbench revolt. Spending on PIP is set to go up from £26bn in 2024-25 to £45bn by 2031, government data shows – but the review is not focused on finding savings, officials say.
Sir Stephen stressed that the views of disabled people and carers on the PIP system are particularly sought after. He said: “We want to put lived experience at the heart of the review”.
However, others including doctors, researchers and elected officials are also welcome to contribute their perspectives as part of the process. Sir Stephen added: “We want to hear from anyone who has something to say about PIP.”
Details can be found on the Gov.uk website. Submissions can take various forms, such as written responses, existing data, or unpublished analysis and reports. Those wishing to respond to the call for evidence can do so online, via email or by post. Once the call for evidence closes, the steering group working alongside the co-chairs will assess all submissions, with a summary set to be published by the DWP to inform the next stage of the review.
The review is due to be presented in autumn 2026. The Timms Review is the first of its kind to examine disability benefits since it was launched, and is intended to ensure that PIP is “fair and fit for the future”, officials say.
It also aims to put forward recommendations on how the system can better support disabled people in achieving higher living standards and greater independence as they navigate the ever-increasing costs of modern life. PIP assists those living with long-term disabilities and health conditions by helping to cover the additional costs of living and reduced earning capacity that such conditions frequently bring.
It is not means-tested, encouraging people to consider employment without the fear that doing so will automatically disqualify them from receiving their benefits, officials say.
