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The Government has launched new resources to help organisations run workshops and events for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, as part of the Timms Review into the future of Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Led by Sir Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, the review will run over the next year and conclude in autumn 2026. No changes will be made to PIP until after the review concludes. It is being co-produced with disabled people and aims to ensure the benefit is fit and fair for the future and better reflects the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world.
The Workshop in a Box will cover three key themes: what PIP is for, what the application process is like, and how decisions are made. All materials are available on GOV.UK, and organisations can submit their insights by 17 July.
They are one of six evidence and engagement strands within the Review’s programme. The others include analysing existing data and research; conducting new quantitative survey research; hearing evidence from experts; and running deliberative events.
The materials can also be adapted for carers, advisers, and others with relevant knowledge and experience of PIP. Their responses will shape the Review. The Review launched following the closure of the Call for Evidence last month, which received 38,000 responses.
Making PIP fit for the future
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Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: “Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform PIP is truly fair and fit for the future. I encourage any organisation that is able to host a workshop to do so, because we need to hear the views and lived experience of as many disabled people as possible.The resources include downloadable, ready-to-use engagement materials to help organisations across the UK engage with the review, run their own sessions with the people they advocate for, the public, or other stakeholders.
It is open to anyone who would like to host a session, including Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations, disability and health charities, community groups, and elected representatives. A small number of organisations have been offered financial support to deliver accessible workshops with local groups and communities in their networks.
These organisations have been identified for their ability to reach individuals and groups who are less likely to engage with government research or public consultations, including those from marginalised or underrepresented communities.
The Government says that an interim report will be published in the coming months, providing a fuller update on the steering group’s work to date.
Co-chair Sharon Brennan added, “It is vital to the success of the review that we hear from as many people as possible about their thoughts on PIP, especially those whose voices are less heard, such as those from marginalised communities or who do not feel comfortable engaging with government-led consultations. We hope this new engagement method allows people to have conversations that matter with the organisations that they most trust so their lived experiences can shape the outcomes of our Review.”
