The government has launched the first full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) since the benefit was introduced more than ten years ago.
The review will be co-chaired by Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, a leading disability rights advocate, Sharon Brennan, former director of policy and disabled journalist and the minister for social security and disability, Sir Stephen Timms.
A group comprised of 12 members is also being recruited to guide the work. The majority of places are reserved for disabled people or representatives of disabled people’s organisations.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has welcomed the news. Kathryn Marsden OBE, chief executive of the charity, said: ‘Reform can’t be effective if it’s removed from the realities of people with lived experiences; it must instead recognise and respect their invaluable expertise and place them at the very centre of all conversations and decisions.
‘At SCIE, co-production with people with lived experience informs all that we do. We look forward to supporting the co-chairs and the wider steering group to drive meaningful change.’
The review comes amid significant changes in disability and health trends since PIP was introduced. Nearly 10 million working-age adults in the UK are now disabled, an increase of about three million since 2013-14.
According to the government, the review will examine whether PIP still reflects the realities of living with long-term conditions and how it supports people to live independently.
‘We’re ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the same opportunities, choices, and chances as everyone else,’ Timms said. ‘That’s why we’re putting them at the heart of the first ever full review of PIP – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.’
In similar vein, Farquharson said: ‘We have an opportunity to ensure PIP reflects the everyday realities of disabled people’s lives.
‘I’m committed to working with my fellow co-chairs and the steering group so this benefit becomes something that empowers rather than frustrates: a system built on dignity, fairness, and trust.’
The review is set to collect evidence from disability organisations, experts and government data and is expected to report to the secretary of state for work and pensions by autumn 2026. However, an interim update is due before then.
Photo: Possessed Photography/UnSplash
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