Timms Review on PIP - Interim Report (Links Included)
The Interim Report has been released this afternoon. I have added the main report links below:
- The Timms PIP Interim Report
- The Timms PIP Interim Report - Easy Read
- Timms Review: interim report - Large Print
There are other supporting documents on the website which can be found here: Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment: interim report - GOV.UK
I hope to add some key findings soon but would appreciate your feedback and any key finds you've spotted.
Scope's Statement:
“Coproducing with disabled people is the right thing to do. We're pleased lived experience is at the centre of the Review.
“This report reflects what Scope hears day in, day out, from disabled people. PIP isn't working.
"The assessment process is complex and dehumanising. The system does not reflect the reality of disabled people’s lives, especially people with fluctuating conditions.
"Life costs more if you are disabled. And PIP exists to help with the extra costs disabled people face, whether they are in work, out of work, or unable to work.
“The government has started to listen. Now it must build a person-centred system that is easier to deal with and fit for disabled people’s lives.”
Comments
-
Surprised they did an easy read version of this.
Still, as always, the devil is in the detail. I'll wait for experts to identify them before getting excited.
0 -
I think this is just a repeat of ESA. An impression of a listening government, but the reality is that welfare reform is a cost control programme.
It seems fairly easy to predict.
Those with the most extreme levels of need will get a increase of payment, this gets some people onside and gives the impression of increased support.
Many people will lose eligibility, via a reduction of eligibility criteria.
In turn it will be overall less support, but masked as extra support, because some will get higher payments, exactly what happened on ESA.There is a number of very concerning statements in the document.
111. The group is exploring whether the activities and descriptors focus
too heavily on what people cannot do, whether the assessment is too
subjective, and whether there is a disconnect between what is assessed
and the support people need. The group heard from responses to its call
for evidence that disabled people find PIP to be unfair and inconsistent.Those of us who remember, this is the exact same thing they were saying when they changed the PCA to WCA. It tries to downplay the things people cannot do as less important.
It also mentions, there is people who think PIP is unfair, this is always going to be the case with government support programs, if you dont meet the targeted criteria, then it must mean it is unfair. This is likely going to be used to justify eligibility cuts, so those who have resentment will feel better that people they jealous of will lose access to PIP.
It of course mentions there is people who think PIP doesnt provide enough money, if anything they should lower the money and use it to protect current eligibility criteria, its always better to target more people with less, than less people with more, but we try to go the opposite way. It is very likely I feel there will be a token increase on top level support. But that wont sit well with me when its done alongside eligibility cuts.
I would be surprised at this point if the mobility criteria is not made a duplicate of the WCA, which will become a mobility with aids only assessment where they can pretend you have a wheelchair, as this is going to replace the WCA.The idea of replacing the WCA was originally announced by the previous government meaning, the source of the idea is likely someone outside of both parties with enough influence to get two governments to adopt it.
It talks about the changing workplace, but all companies I know off are now bringing back into offices, the vast majority of WFH is only recruited internally and as mentioned before the last election was less than 1000 vacancies across the entire UK of which were not spread about but focused in specific areas, in effect there is no working from home jobs for unskilled en masse, but its been used to justify policy changes.The only real question at this point, is who are the victims going to be that lose support.
1 -
will this effect current pip claimants if so when will the changes start?
0 -
Hi @KatieG. The final report will be published in Autumn so we won't know about any possible changes until then.
0 -
I think they might have a hard time making the mobility question the same as WCA re imaginary wheelchair as there are quite a number who use their PIP mobility Payment to pay for an actual wheelchair arent there? Where NHS wheelchair service support is either lacking or too long a waiting list.
As much as the general public seem like they might be on board with the motability changes done recently I have a hard time believing the same argument will fly with the actual wheelchairs on that service.
But ive been shocked before so who knows.
1 -
A 'Rolls' on Motability? 🤔
0 -
0
-
I keep reading about getting people into work but what about pensioners on PIP?
1 -
I just want to add my negative post is just "thoughts" nothing factual as they havent announced recommendations yet, so please dont anyone have fear from it.
0 -
Where did you read about pensioners being forced back to work? I remember Sunak asking early retirees to please come back, tried to imply they had a duty to help out.
0 -
Thank you for sharing the report links. I've only had an initial look through the interim report, but it's encouraging to see that lived experience and co-production with disabled people are being highlighted as central parts of the review.
One of the key points that stood out to me is the recognition that the current PIP assessment process can be stressful, complex, and often fails to reflect the realities of people living with fluctuating or invisible conditions. Many claimants have long expressed concerns about repeatedly having to prove their disabilities and the emotional impact this has on their wellbeing.
I also welcome the acknowledgement that disability brings significant additional costs, regardless of employment status. PIP plays an essential role in helping people manage these extra expenses and maintain independence.
The real test, however, will be whether these findings lead to meaningful reforms. Many disabled people and carers will be hoping that this review results in a more compassionate, person-centred system that is easier to navigate and better reflects individual circumstances.
I look forward to reading more feedback from others as they work through the report in greater detail.
2 -
what gives you that idea the government pays your nat ins towards your pension if you are on certain benefits as you will find out when the time comes
0 -
State Pension is a benefit not an entitlement. What you get depends on qualifying years of NI contributions.
3 -
If you're on Universal Credit you are getting Class 3 National Insurance Credits because of that.
You can check your current pension forecast online if you have a government gateway or one.gov account here:
0 -
Both the state pension and pension credit are benefits.
State pension is NI based like new style ESA. Both are benefits.
There is also the pension credit, means tested. A benefit just like UC is. This can support you if you dont qualify for the state pension.0 -
With regards to being forced back into work by the Labour Government because I am on ESA, PIP and UC. I have to plead the fifth amendment on my thoughts and opinion on the matter. As it would breach rules and regulations on the site.
0 -
Thank you for sharing the report and the supporting documents. From what I've read so far, one of the most important themes is the recognition that many disabled people feel the current PIP assessment doesn't accurately reflect the reality of living with a long-term or fluctuating condition.
I'm pleased to see the emphasis on listening to people with lived experience. Hopefully, this leads to practical improvements rather than just changes on paper. A simpler, fairer, and more person-centred assessment process would make a huge difference for many people who already face enough challenges without having to fight to access support.
I'm interested to see the final recommendations and whether they address consistency in assessments, clearer communication, and reducing the stress many people experience during the claims process.
Thanks again for posting the links—I'll be following the discussion with interest and look forward to hearing everyone else's thoughts.
1 -
I, myself have to continue to feel unsafe for the rest of my life, both at home and in public, because PIP does not listen to anything that I say and PIP ignores everything that I say, which has prevented me from getting the care that I need.
2 -
Ok then, I have the right to remain silent
3 -
Got to put in to get out to be fair. @ least you know where you're at. Respect .
1
Categories
- All Categories
- 16.4K Start here and say hello!
- 7.7K Coffee lounge
- 120 Games den
- 1.8K People power
- 199 Announcements and information
- 25.8K Talk about life
- 6.2K Everyday life
- 434 Current affairs
- 2.5K Families and carers
- 897 Education and skills
- 2K Work
- 629 Money and bills
- 3.8K Housing and independent living
- 1.2K Transport and travel
- 678 Relationships
- 1.6K Mental health and wellbeing
- 2.6K Talk about your impairment
- 885 Rare, invisible, & undiagnosed conditions
- 947 Neurological impairments and pain
- 2.3K Cerebral Palsy Network
- 1.3K Autism and neurodiversity
- 41.7K Talk about your benefits
- 6.2K Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- 20.6K PIP, DLA, ADP & AA
- 9.5K Universal Credit (UC)
- 5.4K Benefits and income