The review is being led by Sir Stephen Timms (Image: Getty)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided brand new guidance for claimants living with two common conditions, assuring them that the upcoming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review will consider their day-to-day experiences.
The ongoing Timms Review, led by Sir Stephen Timms, aims to reassess the eligibility criteria for PIP, the benefit that supports individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities. Sir Stephen has emphasised that those affected by arthritis and musculoskeletal issues will have their “lived experiences” taken seriously throughout the process.
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Almost one third of the population have a MSK condition in the UK (Image: Getty)
Labour MP James Naish raised concerns in Parliament, asking what measures would ensure the review fully reflects the needs of people with these conditions, the Mirror reported.
He said: “What steps will the Minister take to ensure that the Timms Review adequately takes account of the needs of those living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions?”
In response, Timms confirmed that disabled people and relevant organisations would be actively involved in shaping the review’s outcomes.
The Minister of State at the DWP added: “For the Timms Review to be a success, lived experience must be at the heart of its work. To do this, we are co-producing the Review with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs, and other stakeholders.”
The review has recently expanded its leadership team with the appointment of co-chairs Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. A steering group is being formed to guide the process, determine the review’s structure, and set its recommendations.
An open call for applications received over 340 submissions from disabled individuals and organisations interested in contributing insights about how proposed PIP changes might impact them.
While the steering group’s final membership is yet to be confirmed, the DWP stated it will soon provide updates ahead of the group’s first meeting. The group will facilitate wider engagement, ensuring a broad spectrum of experiences informs the review’s findings.
The Timms Review was launched after proposed PIP changes were removed from last year’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. Officials expect the review’s conclusions to be released this Autumn.
According to NHS England, over 20 million people in the UK, almost one third of the population, have a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or back pain. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, limited movement, and disability which affect quality of life and independence.
Over 30 million working days are lost due to MSK conditions every year in the UK, and they also account for up to 30% of GP consultations in England, according to the NHS.
Recent DWP data shows that roughly 19% of PIP claims are linked to general musculoskeletal disorders, with another 12% related to issues in specific regions, such as wrist or neck injuries. These conditions often make everyday tasks difficult and painful.