RNIB responds to review that finds PIP payments are “not fit for purpose”

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has responded to the publication of the first comprehensive review of personal independence payments (PIP).

After hearing from 38,000 people and organisations across the UK through its Call for Evidence, the Timms Review concluded that PIP is no longer fit for purpose – and has failed to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade.

Responding to the publication of the Timms Review interim report, RNIB head of campaigns and public affairs, Sophie Dodgeon, shared that the findings echo what blind and partially sighted people have said “for years.”

“The current PIP assessment process is too often stressful, frustrating and not fit for purpose,” Dodgeon said.

She noted that under the current system people with sight loss are often forced to challenge PIP assessment decisions that are later overturned.

“PIP is a vital lifeline that helps people meet the significant extra costs of sight loss, but too many people face assessments that fail to properly understand the realities blind and partially sighted people face,” Dodgeon shared.

She emphasised the importance of continued engagement with people with sight loss as the review moves forward.

“We want to see a system that is informed by lived experience, delivers accurate decisions first time, reduces unnecessary reassessments, and treats blind and partially sighted people with dignity and respect,” she said.

Around 10 million people in the UK report living with a disability – accounting for 24% of the working age population.

Timms Review co-chair, Sharon Brennan, thanked those who expressed their views through the Call for Evidence.

“We’ve heard loud and clear: PIP is highly valued as a benefit but is not fit for purpose. We are committed to making changes so that PIP can fulfil its purpose,” she said.

The process of making a PIP claim was viewed negatively by 90% of respondents to the Call for Evidence – with respondents describing the PIP assessment as “dehumanising,” “degrading” and “stressful.”

Minister for Social Security and Disability and Timms Review co-chair, Sir Stephen Timms, shared that the interim report makes clear that PIP is not working as intended and requires “fundamental change.”

“Our work so far has been informed by a wide range of evidence, expertise, and insight to ensure we hear from as many disabled people as possible across the country, including through workshops, engagement and a call for evidence which attracted more than 38,000 responses,” he said.