In our 35 years of legislation series we’ve looked back at the landmark moments that changed life for people in the UK, such as the Mental Capacity Act or Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and we’ve seen how the law can be a powerful tool for independence.
The laws we rely on today exist because people spoke up years ago. Now it’s our turn to ensure the next chapter of disability support is built on the reality of our lives, not just a policy document.
What is the Timms Review
The government has launched the Timms Review, named after Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, to ensure that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is fair and fit for purpose in a changing society. They hope it will help achieve higher living standards, overall better health, and greater independence, though employment.
PIP supports many people with the extra costs of a disability or long-term health condition, and the government would prefer it remains a non-means tested cash benefit. However, despite the many changes to shifting trends in disability and long-term health conditions, as well as changes in wider society and the workplace, PIP has never been fully reviewed.
To ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work, the Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders.
How can you help?
The Timms Review is a ‘Call for evidence.’ This is your chance to tell the government:
- What is working with PIP?
- What is broken or feels unfair?
- How does the application process feel for you?
The review is being co-produced, which means the final recommendations to be built on the real-life stories of the people who use the service.
Making it accessible
We know government documents can be long and full of confusing jargon, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to having your say.
To help we’re sharing an Easy Read version of the Timms Review details, which you can read be clicking the button below. It breaks down:
- Exactly what the review is looking at
- The four main themes they want to hear about
- How you can submit your views before the main deadline on May 28, 2026.
Your voice matters
Sharing your story can sometimes feel like a small act, but when we do it together, it becomes a powerful force for change.
For 35 years, progress in disability rights has been driven by people like you, people who were willing to say, “this is how the system actually works for me.”
Whether your experience with PIP has been a lifeline or a struggle your perspective is the most valuable piece of evidence the government can receive. It’s how we ensure that future support is built on dignity and understand real-life needs.
Let’s make sure that when the history of the next 35 years is written, our community’s voice is right at the heart of it.