The co-chairs of the Timms Review have published a progress update on the reform of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), signalling a shift from gathering evidence to testing new proposals for the UK’s disability benefits system.
Released on 9 September 2026, the update marks the transition into a “testing phase” where specific recommendations will be scrutinised by claimants and experts. The review is co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
Workshops to test “in-kind” support
A series of 15 “Shaping Recommendations Workshops” is scheduled to begin across the UK on 15 September 2026. These sessions aim to evaluate emerging principles, including a proposal that could allow some claimants to swap a portion of their cash award for “in-kind” support.
This “in-kind” model involves allowing individuals to opt for specialist equipment, services, or training in place of some direct financial payments, a proposal being tested as part of the review.
For claimants in the South, an in-person workshop is scheduled to take place in Bournemouth on 22 September 2026.
Fast-tracks and reduced assessments
Beyond the payment structure, the Timms Review is exploring structural changes to the assessment process following the initial Call for Evidence, which received over 38,000 responses from individuals and organisations.
Emerging recommendations include:
- A new fast-track process for terminally ill claimants.
- Reduced reassessments for individuals with lifelong conditions.
Timeline for final decisions
The update confirms that the testing phase will continue throughout September and October. The findings from these workshops will be used to finalise the recommendations presented to the government.
The final report of the Timms Review is due to be published in Autumn 2026.
