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Timms Review: Interim Report
09 July 2026
Lead MP
Stephen Timms
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Benefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Stephen Timms raised concerns about timms review: interim report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Government are publishing an interim report on the Timms review of PIP, which aims to ensure that the system introduced more than a decade ago remains fair and sustainable. The number of people reporting disabilities has significantly increased since 2013, leading to a considerable rise in those receiving PIP. Over 38,000 responses were received during the call for evidence phase. The interim report highlights issues such as the stressful assessment process and the negative experiences reported by claimants. The review is co-produced with disabled people and aims at radical reform while ensuring long-term sustainability within the OBR's forecast for PIP spending. The minister also thanked those who contributed to this work.
Peter Bedford
Con
Question
The shadow presses the Minister on when decisive action will be taken to reform the welfare system, addressing issues such as consultation with taxpayers and ruling in or out certain conditions like anxiety, depression, and neurodiverse conditions. He also questions whether the review focuses on identifying savings or rubber-stamping an ever-growing bill for taxpayers.
Minister reply
The minister did not provide specific answers to these detailed questions during the Q&A session.
Peter Bedford
Con
Wolverhampton South West
Question
The hon. Member for Wolverhampton South West thanked the Minister for his advance statement and expressed concern over the lack of decisive action by the Government to reform the welfare system, emphasising that the review was initiated due to political panic rather than principle. He pointed out the rising costs of PIP and criticised the Government's failure to deliver reforms after two years, one abandoned Bill, and multiple reviews.
Minister reply
The Minister defended his party's actions by highlighting the previous government’s record, stating that they left behind significant issues in the welfare system. He emphasised the importance of face-to-face assessments as key to rebuilding trust in the system and promised changes towards this goal.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
The hon. Member for Sheffield South East raised concerns over fairness within the PIP system, citing examples of misuse by some individuals and under-claiming by those with serious conditions. He asked if the Minister will thoroughly examine different reasons people give for applying for PIP to respond appropriately.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged his hon. Friend's points, expressing willingness to discuss these issues further and confirming a commitment to being fair to both taxpayers and disabled individuals seeking benefits.
Question
Acknowledges the hard work done on PIP review and expresses concern over structural challenges and rising costs of incapacity benefits. Asks for more details on representative evidence and holistic approach to address root causes, including employment support and mental health.
Minister reply
Grateful for the MP's support, the Minister highlighted that the current system presents significant barriers to independence and participation and needs addressing. He mentioned the steering group’s composition of mostly disabled individuals who are concerned about the financial sustainability of PIP.
Meg Hillier
Lab
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
Welcomes Minister's work and inquires about discussions on assistive technology that can sometimes replace funding for items needed by individuals with disabilities.
Minister reply
The Department is doing significant work on assistive technology, including a roundtable with tech industry representatives. The Minister hopes to issue a call for evidence later this year on how to better support people through such technologies.
Question
Asks if the review acknowledges that cash payments may not be what some people need most, especially those with conditions like ADHD and those aged 16-24. Inquires about potential savings and investment in better health services.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that there is a question about whether the process can also point people towards additional help beyond cash payments, including support from healthcare services.
Battersea
Question
Welcomes review's direction and asks for assurance on continued co-production at the heart of the work. Mentions mistrust created by current PIP system.
Minister reply
Confirms that co-production will remain central to the process, highlighting the benefits gained from this approach.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Asks about handling of cases where something goes wrong in PIP or universal credit arrangements. Mentions a constituent's case of loss and no substantive reply after six months.
Minister reply
Promises to look out for the letter from Julian Lewis and aims for a prompt response. The Minister highlighted that assessments are now recorded by default, partly to address such issues.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his work with disability groups as part of the review. The lived experience of those affected by disability must drive the reform of the disability benefit system. What can he do as part of his review to address misinformation, disinformation and confusion around disability benefits?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. We want to ensure that correct and clear information is provided to people regarding PIP eligibility criteria and assessment process. We will work with disabled people’s organisations and disability charities to improve the position.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
There is a fundamental question here about what our priority is. Is it to reduce the bill or ensure that disabled people can access all human rights and be supported? May I continue to encourage the Minister to talk to Social Security Scotland and colleagues in the SNP Government about their experiences of the adult disability payment?
Minister reply
Our objective must be both helping disabled people and creating a system with taxpayers' confidence. We are interested in what has been happening in Scotland, including hearing from Edel Harris on the adult disability payment review.
Question
I welcome the review and thank disabled people who have shaped it. How does the Minister plan to ensure that colleagues across his Department as well as Alan Milburn and Sir Charlie Mayfield learn from the Timms review and integrate voices of disabled people in future work?
Minister reply
The review is being undertaken in a thoroughly co-produced way, which has been positive for the Department. We will evaluate this review to document lessons learned. We will ensure that all this work is taken together with Alan Milburn and Sir Charlie Mayfield.
Andrew George
Lib Dem
St Ives
Question
Like my hon. Friend the Member for Witney, I welcome the broad direction of the review. Will he work with Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that people are supported before they need benefits, and invest in people so their talents can be enjoyed in the workplace?
Minister reply
We should use less welfare benefit language and more investment in people language. This review is about delivering social security.
Question
I thank the Minister for all the work that he has done, especially on co-production front. What reassurances can the Minister give me that this type of dehumanising failure will not be seen under the new system?
Minister reply
It is our objective to improve things and rebuild confidence among disabled people and taxpayers that the system does its job properly.
Question
What mechanisms are being put in place as part of this review to ensure that young people with cancer and other disabilities are considered, and that their distinct experiences are properly accounted for?
Minister reply
We will talk to representatives of people with cancer, including young people. We hope to come forward with recommendations that address concerns.
Stella Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Question
One of our long-standing concerns is employers’ attitude and approach to working with disabled people. Can he update us on the response from employers about the role they can play in changing this situation?
Minister reply
After Sir Charlie Mayfield’s report was completed, 75 vanguard employers started developing ideas. Now around 250 employers are involved because they recognise how important it is to support disabled people.
Ann Davies
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
Welcomes the interim report of the Timms review and notes its potential to devolve social security to Wales. Asks for assurance that the review will consider this opportunity.
Minister reply
Emphasises the importance of hearing voices from Wales, mentions a conversation with the new Minister in Wales, highlights the inclusion of a former board member of Disability Wales on the steering group.
Taunton Deane
Question
Thanks the Minister for his collaborative approach and seeks an update on how fluctuating conditions will be better reflected in any new assessment process.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that criticisms of the current system handling fluctuating conditions are frequent, mentions talks with Parkinson’s patients and Multiple Sclerosis Society, emphasises the need to do a good job for people with such conditions.
Lewis Atkinson
Con
Warrington South
Question
Thanks the Minister and discusses the stress caused by claiming PIP. Asks about improving Access to Work and mental health services, highlights long NHS mental health waiting lists.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns regarding NHS service delays and announces recruitment for Access to Work scheme, aiming to eradicate backlog by September 2024.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Question
Thanks the Minister for recognising the stressful nature of claiming PIP. Asks about future spending within OBR predictions and whether this means a cash limit on PIP.
Minister reply
Reiterates the stress caused by the system, mentions constraints to stay within predicted OBR spending but aims for better outcomes with potential reductions.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
Question
Welcomes the commitment to co-production with disability organisations and asks how today’s proposals will restore confidence in PIP among claimants.
Minister reply
Assures of proper co-production, mentions workshops around the country for further engagement and aims to improve support rather than achieve savings.
Richmond Park
Question
Thanks the Minister for his statement and approach. Asks how today’s proposals will restore confidence in PIP as a supportive benefit.
Minister reply
Acknowledges 38,000 responses to call for evidence, mentions workshops for wider engagement, aims to remove adversarial characteristics of current process.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Discusses stigmatising language and urges detailed analysis on issues faced by young people with mental health issues.
Minister reply
Emphasises avoiding stigmatisation, mentions evidence in interim report regarding young people starting to claim benefits but facing abandonment.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
Many constituents are following the work of the Timms review with concern, noting that PIP is not an out-of-work benefit but a support for extra costs. Will the Minister ensure proposals focus on how people actually experience disability?
Minister reply
The interim report will be properly and carefully considered to ensure it addresses the barriers preventing disabled individuals from working and ensures PIP does a better job of supporting them.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
What assurances can the Minister give that the recommendations will be grounded in disabled people’s rights, rather than merely consulting them?
Minister reply
The co-production approach will continue, with discussions and events planned for September or October to ensure disabled people shape the final conclusions.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Conwy
Question
Will the Minister commit to looking at raising the age of transfer from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP from 16 to 18, as part of a cross-departmental process?
Minister reply
The proposal was consulted on in last year’s Green Paper and is being reviewed. A cross-Government approach will be taken to address concerns raised.
Alison Hume
Con
Great Yarmouth
Question
Will the review examine the wider culture in the DWP, which harms the very people it means to support?
Minister reply
While the focus is on PIP itself, lessons from the co-produced approach will be used to change the Department’s culture and its relationship with the public.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Question
Will the Minister come to Newcastle-under-Lyme to meet constituents with real experience of the broken system?
Minister reply
The Minister will consider an invitation and drop a line if interested in visiting.
Cowdenbeath
Question
How will the Minister rebuild trust not only with disabled people but also taxpayers, as both categories overlap significantly?
Minister reply
Completing the review and seeing how the new system works will help rebuild trust with both groups.
Terry Jermy
Con
Bury St Edmunds
Question
Does the Minister agree that investment in rehabilitation will reduce reliance on PIP, based on his experience?
Minister reply
Rehabilitation is important, and this point will be referred to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Sam Rushworth
Con
Wellingborough
Question
As the Minister moves to co-production, will he look at moving to a more personalised approach in light of the review’s findings?
Minister reply
The Minister hopes to propose greater personalisation and questions whether something more tailored could better serve recipients.
Shadow Comment
Peter Bedford
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticises the review as a response to political pressure rather than genuine concern, highlighting that spending on PIP is forecasted to reach £43 billion by the end of the decade. The opposition has launched its own review focusing on reforms and cost-saving measures. The shadow questions the lack of detail in the minister’s statement and calls for decisive action to address welfare reform. He also challenges the Minister on whether the interim findings will address conditions like anxiety, depression, and neurodiverse conditions. Furthermore, he raises concerns about the sustainability of the welfare system and the contradiction between recommendations from the Milburn review and the Government's approach.
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