Labour benefits review 'calls for disability assessments to be scrapped instead of made tougher'

By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 11:08, 8 July 2026 | Updated: 11:08, 8 July 2026 Labour's review of disability benefits is set to conclude the entire assessment system must be scrapped, it has emerged. Stephen Timms, the disability minister, is expected to recommend a 'radical' and 'bold' overhaul of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after deeming it 'not fit for purpose'. He was charged with reviewing PIP, which is the main disability benefit in England and Wales, following the Government's chaotic U-turn on planned welfare cuts last year. Mr Timms is expected to publish an interim review of the PIP system this week, before coming forward with recommendations for reforms in the autumn. According to The Guardian, his review will conclude that the current points-based system of assessment is in effect worthless. This is because of the rising number of new conditions – particularly relating to mental health – that can fluctuate considerably in severity, the newspaper reported. The stark conclusions of Mr Timms' review are expected to push the Government into more fundamental changes to disability benefits, rather than pursuing a tougher version of the current points-based system for claimants. Before his reversal on welfare cuts last summer - in the face of a revolt by Labour MPs - Prime Minister Keir Starmer had attempted to restrict access to PIP by tightening the assessment rules. Stephen Timms, the disability minister, is expected to recommend a 'radical' and 'bold' overhaul of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after deeming it 'not fit for purpose' Disabled people are pictured protesting in Westminster against Labour's planned welfare cuts last summer PIP is intended to help with everyday tasks and extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It can be paid to people who are working, have savings or are getting most other benefits and is not means tested. The highest rate of PIP is £194.60 per week. Data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed there were 4 million claimants entitled to PIP at the end of April, which is around one in 10 of the working age population. Of these, there were 100,207 claimants of PIP in which ADHD was cited as their main condition - up by 40 per cent since Labour took power in July 2024, according to the statistics. The current assessment system sees claimants awarded points - based on their difficulties in performing everyday tasks such as washing or cooking - to determine whether they qualify for the benefit. Mr Timms' review is expected to conclude that PIP is not working for disabled people or for the Government and bold changes are needed. One of its major findings will reportedly be that the points-based system has not kept pace with fluctuating and less visible conditions, which can include physical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and arthritis as well as mental health conditions. It is also expected to say there should be a new system that 'adequately reflects the diverse reality and needs of disabled people today'. 'Our message is simple: PIP is not working. It is not working for the people that go through the process, nor for a Government committed to supporting disabled people,' the review will reportedly add. 'We are committed to making changes so that PIP can fulfil its purpose for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, both now and into the future. 'Doing so will require us to be radical in our thinking and bold in our recommendations for reform.'