Politics
UK disability benefit review finds Pip 'not fit for purpose', considers non-cash alternatives
July 13, 2026 at 06:33 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 126 hours
TGThe Guardian
Burnham has a chance to overhaul Pip. Here's what a truly progressive system could look like | Frances Ryan
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BNBBC News
Disability benefit review considers alternatives to cash payments
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BNBBC News
Disability benefit not fit for purpose, minister leading review says
(opens the publisher’s site)A major review of Personal Independence Payments in England and Wales has found the benefit "not fit for purpose" and is considering offering claimants alternative support instead of cash payments.
- Minister Sir Stephen Timms said the government would not move away from cash payments but is considering pointing claimants to NHS treatments or equipment instead.
- The interim report declared Pip "not fit for purpose," describing applications as "dehumanising" and a barrier to work.
- Timms said the final recommendations are due this autumn and will "lay the foundation for deep, sustainable reform."
- Review co-chair Sharon Brennan said the assessment process is "very blunt" and the review is considering how to change it.