People with disabilities, carers and experts are being asked to share their experiences as part of a government review into the future of a key benefit.
The government has launched a nationwide call for evidence seeking views on reforming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which was first introduced in 2013.
The consultation opened on Thursday as part of the Timms Review and is set to run until 28th May 2026. According to government figures, the benefit helps nearly four million people in England and Wales.
Disabled people of all ages, as well as carers, health professionals, charities and politicians are being asked to share their experiences of the system.
People aged over 16 can claim PIP if a physical or mental health condition affects their daily life. Health professionals assess daily living and mobility tasks – such as preparing food or washing – awarding points based on how safely they are done.
Under proposed changes, applicants would need to score more than four points in a single activity, rather than adding up smaller scores across tasks. The government says the reforms could save £4.5bn a year by 2029/30, with around 800,000 people potentially losing the benefit.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, co-chair of the review, said: ‘It is vital that disabled people’s voices are at the heart of this Review. PIP has a profound impact on people’s daily lives, independence, and sense of dignity, so any conversation about its future must begin with those who live with its realities every day.
‘This call for evidence is an important opportunity to listen directly to disabled people, carers, organisations, and others with experience of the system. We want to hear honestly what is working, what is not, and what a fairer and more human system should look like.’
The review is being led by a 15-member group with experience in welfare policy, accessibility and advocacy, as well as people with lived experience.
Co-chair Sharon Brennan added: ‘It is essential for the success of this review that we hear frank and honest views from as many disabled people, carers, advocates and others as wish to participate.
‘That’s why this call for evidence is just the start of our engagement plans, which will be wide and varied to ensure people can offer their views in a way that works for them.’
News of the consultation comes as a new law to scrap the two-child limit on Universal Credit receives Royal Assent.
The legislation passed yesterday (19th March) and is believed to lift 450,000 children out of poverty. Pat McFadden, secretary of state for work and pensions, said: ‘Scrapping the two-child limit is about more than family finances today, it’s about the Britain we’re building for tomorrow.
‘Children growing up in poverty are far more likely to leave school without qualifications and end up not in work or education as young adults, and we’re determined to break that cycle once and for all and give every child the best start in life.’
Image: Shutterstock
In related news:
£38,000 upgrade for Pinxton Miners Welfare Institute in Derbyshire
Leave a Reply