We have read the interim report of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and shared it with our community. Here is what we think, and what we are asking for.
Where we agree
PIP is no longer fit for purpose. We see this every day in our community: people with cerebral palsy navigating a system that was not built with them in mind.
We agree there are deep rooted problems in both the design and delivery of PIP. We also agree that PIP should do more to support independent living and participation in society, whether that is volunteering, work, or cultural and social activities. And we agree that PIP alone is not enough. Support and services matter just as much in breaking down the barriers disabled people face.
The steering group put it well. Disabled people bring skills, adaptability, creativity and insight shaped by lived experience, and these strengths make workplaces and communities better. Enabling disabled people to participate fully is not just fair. It leads to better outcomes for everyone.
We are glad to see the steering group commit to being bold, and to being radical in its thinking and its recommendations for reform. That is exactly the ambition this review needs.
We are ready to go further with them. We want to deepen our involvement in shaping this review through co production, working alongside the people making these decisions rather than being consulted after the fact.
What we are asking for
With that ambition in mind, here are our recommendations.
- Continued access to PIP for people with cerebral palsy, at appropriate levels.
- PIP must stay non means tested and employment neutral.
- An automatic standard rate award at age 16 for people diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
- An end to mandatory reassessments for cerebral palsy.
- A fair, holistic, person centred assessment process.
- PIP should not become the single gateway to benefits and support until the assessment process is fit for purpose.
- Public communication that tackles stigma head on.
- Annual health reviews for adults with cerebral palsy, delivered through primary care.
- A dedicated NHS care pathway for adults with cerebral palsy.
Why this matters
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition. It does not improve, and for many people it changes with age. A system that keeps demanding proof of what is already permanent wastes everyone’s time and puts disabled people through unnecessary stress. We are asking for a system built around that reality, not against it.
We know what good support looks like because we live it. This review has a real chance to build a system that works, and we intend to keep pushing until it does.