Sense responds to the interim Timms Review

9 July 2026 – Today Sir Stephen Timms published his interim review of Personal Independence Payments, finding the system is not fit for purpose.

Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing at the national disability charity Sense, said:

“Too many disabled people are being failed by the current benefits system, and we welcome the Timms Review’s acknowledgment of this. Sense research found that nearly half of disabled people with complex needs on benefits said that the application process made their conditions worse; this is clearly a system that needs to urgently change.

“We are also pleased to see the review’s commitment to co-production with disabled people, and look forward to being further involved in this process.

“Benefits like PIP are a vital lifeline for disabled people. They are the difference between people being part of their communities, seeing people they love, being able to stay active and getting to work.

“As the Timms review moves into its next phase, we urge the review team to ensure its recommendations are driven by the goal of improving disabled people’s lives, not reducing public spending.

“Changes to welfare must remove barriers, strengthen support and build a system that treats disabled people with dignity, respect and trust.”

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