Our response as Timms Review on PIP published
This morning (9 July 2026) the government published its review of Personal Independence Payments, concluding that the current system is not fit for purpose.
It was based on evidence from more that 38,000 responses, including one from NASS and others from members of our community. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views.
Our response
Overall, this feels like a positive step. The emphasis on understanding the realities of living with a condition such as axial SpA is welcomed. We are also pleased that it recognises the often negative experience that people have when undergoing assessment and the distress that it causes.
In stark contrast to previous reviews and proposals, this review takes into account the positive impact that the benefit can have, and calls for reform rather than using it as a cost cutting exercise for the government.
Key findings
- PIP is a vital benefit. Most respondents said it is essential in helping disabled people meet the extra costs of disability, maintain independence, participate in everyday life and, for many, remain in work.
- The assessment process is failing people. Around 90% of respondents described the claims and assessment process negatively, using words such as dehumanising, degrading, stressful and adversarial. Only around 5% reported a positive experience.
- Assessments often do not reflect real-life disability. The current system struggles to assess:
- fluctuating conditions
- invisible disabilities
- multiple long-term conditions
- the impact of disability on daily living.
- PIP can create barriers instead of removing them. While the benefit itself is highly valued, the process of applying for and maintaining it can discourage people from working, exercising, volunteering and participating in community life.
- Trust in the system is low. Many respondents questioned the fairness and consistency of assessments and decision-making.
Next steps
As this is an interim report, it doesn’t recommend immediate changes to eligibility rules, assessment criteria or payment rates. Work will now be done to develop and test options whilst continuing to engage with disabled people, their carers and organisations like NASS. Final recommendations will be published in autumn 2026. We will keep our community updated on opportunities to input into the next stages as they become apparent.