09/07/2026
Today, the Timms Review published its interim report, setting out its approach to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and sharing its findings so far. It represents a rare opportunity to overhaul an outdated system that too often falls short of the support it is meant to provide.
Stephen Timms, the Disability Minister, has been looking at how the PIP assessment process works in practice for people who rely on this vital support.
The report concludes that the PIP assessment process is "not fit for purpose", echoing what many of you have told us. It highlights how dehumanising the application process can be and how assessments fail to reflect the reality of living with fluctuating or invisible conditions.
It's important to note that no recommendations have been made yet, and no immediate changes to PIP will take place. Any proposed reforms will be set out in the final report this autumn.
Read my blog about the Review
Last week we published our report, Rethinking PIP, which found that the current system can unintentionally create a "recovery trap", where people fear that taking positive steps, such as engaging in therapy, could be seen as evidence that they no longer need support.
Today's findings reinforces the fact that we need a system that recognises the realities of living with severe mental illness which supports people to recover.
It's encouraging to see the Review recognise the value of lived experience. The key question now is whether the voices of people directly affected will truly shape the reforms that follow.
We'll keep fighting for a social security system that delivers the support people need, when they need it. We’ll be in touch soon with ways to get involved.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about PIP, the Mental Health and Money Advice service has lots of helpful information.
Best wishes,
Julia
Rethink Policy Manager
