Timms Review: Interim Report

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Welcomes Minister's work and inquires about discussions on assistive technology that can sometimes replace funding for items needed by individuals with disabilities.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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Thanks the Minister for his collaborative approach and seeks an update on how fluctuating conditions will be better reflected in any new assessment process.

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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.

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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.

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Welcomes the commitment to co-production with disability organisations and asks how today’s proposals will restore confidence in PIP among claimants.

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Thanks the Minister for his statement and approach. Asks how today’s proposals will restore confidence in PIP as a supportive benefit.

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Discusses stigmatising language and urges detailed analysis on issues faced by young people with mental health issues.

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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?

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What assurances can the Minister give that the recommendations will be grounded in disabled people’s rights, rather than merely consulting them?

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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?

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Will the review examine the wider culture in the DWP, which harms the very people it means to support?

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Will the Minister come to Newcastle-under-Lyme to meet constituents with real experience of the broken system?

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How will the Minister rebuild trust not only with disabled people but also taxpayers, as both categories overlap significantly?

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Does the Minister agree that investment in rehabilitation will reduce reliance on PIP, based on his experience?

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As the Minister moves to co-production, will he look at moving to a more personalised approach in light of the review’s findings?