Personal Independence Payment (PIP) future as a non-means tested cash benefit, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said it is “committed” to keeping Personal Independence Payment as a non-means tested cash benefit. The update comes as speculation builds ahead of the final report of the Timms Review.
The Timms Review was set up to explore changes to PIP, with the aim of making the disability and incapacity benefit more sustainable for both recipients and taxpayers. The benefit is claimed by around 4 million people.
In the House of Commons, Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan asked the cabinet whether cash would remain the default way PIP is provided to all claimants following the Timms Review, and whether any non-cash support would be accessed voluntarily.
Sir Stephen Timms said the Timms Review steering group is considering its recommendations ahead of the final report’s publication in autumn. He added that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will consider the findings before deciding any next steps.
Conservative MP Joy Morrissey asked the DWP minister whether an assessment had been made of the potential merits of means testing PIP to ensure targeted support. Sir Stephen replied that the purpose of the Timms Review is to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future.
Sir Stephen said the government is committed to ensuring PIP remains a non-means tested cash benefit available to people in and out of work, now and in the future, because anyone can be affected by a long-term condition or disability.
The DWP has said the Timms Review “will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders.” The review is co-chaired by Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sharon Brennan, and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. The co-chairs will oversee a steering group that will jointly lead the review.
