The co-chairs of the Timms Review have released a significant progress update outlining “emerging recommendations” for a radical overhaul of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system. The update, published on 11 September 2026, includes a proposal to offer “in-kind” support alongside traditional cash payments for disabled people across the UK.
The review is led by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, alongside co-chairs Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan. It aims to modernise how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) supports PIP claimants, focusing on dignity and “co-production” with disabled people.
Proposals for ‘in-kind’ support and assessment reform
A central feature of the update is the suggestion of an “in-kind” support model. Under this proposal, claimants could choose to swap a portion of their cash award for specialist equipment, aids, services, or training. While this offers a new route for accessing specific support, the review team has noted that PIP will remain a non-means-tested benefit, and the final report will need to address whether claimants can retain 100% of their award in cash if they prefer.
The co-chairs have also highlighted a move towards reducing the frequency of benefit reassessments. This would specifically apply to claimants with lifelong or degenerative conditions, intended to provide greater long-term security and reduce the administrative burden on the DWP. Current data indicates that average wait times for PIP reviews have reached 25 weeks, a figure the review seeks to address through more efficient processing.
Other key developments mentioned in the update include:
- A commitment to ensuring the benefit remains focused on the extra costs of living with a disability.
Next steps and timeline
The review is now moving from evidence gathering to testing these emerging recommendations. A series of “shaping recommendations” workshops is scheduled to begin on 15 September 2026. Interest in the process has been high, with nearly 4,000 people already registered to participate in the sessions.
The feedback from these workshops will inform the final report, which is expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in late autumn 2026. This timeline provides a clear window for when the government may begin to draft legislation or change departmental policy based on the review’s findings.
The co-chairs have stated that the upcoming workshops will be vital in ensuring the recommendations reflect the actual needs and preferences of claimants.
