PIP, which provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, has not been fully reviewed since its introduction in 2013. This lack of evaluation has led to concerns that the scheme no longer adequately reflects the needs of an evolving population. As disability rates rise and new health challenges emerge, the government has responded by prioritising a thorough reassessment, with the involvement of disabled people themselves at the heart of the process.
Co-Chairs Appointed to Lead the Review
The review will be steered by two new co-chairs: Dr. Clenton Farquharson CBE, a prominent disability rights advocate, and Sharon Brennan, who has extensive experience in policy and accessibility. According to the DWP, both individuals were selected for their expertise in disability issues and their commitment to ensuring that the voices of disabled people are central to the review process.
Dr. Farquharson, who has over 25 years of experience working in disability rights, is a national advocate for social justice and co-production. He currently serves as the Associate Director at Think Local Act Personal, and his background includes significant roles with Disability Rights UK and the National Development Team for Inclusion. Sharon Brennan’s career includes senior positions at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, as well as advisory roles within the Department for Transport on accessibility. Together, Farquharson and Brennan bring a wealth of knowledge to ensure that the review is both inclusive and rooted in the lived experiences of disabled people.
The review’s core objective is to assess whether PIP is still fit for purpose, given the growing diversity of disabilities and health conditions in the UK. With nearly 10 million working-age disabled people in the country, many of whom face complex challenges, the review aims to ensure that the PIP system meets the current and future needs of this demographic.
A Stepping Stone to More Inclusive Policy-Making
A central part of the review will focus on the role of PIP in supporting disabled people to live independently and participate fully in society. According to Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, the review is vital to ensuring that disabled individuals can access the same opportunities and choices as everyone else.
In addition to the co-chairs, the DWP has launched a recruitment process for a steering group, which will consist predominantly of disabled people or their representatives. This group will help guide the strategic direction of the review, ensuring that it is shaped by those with direct experience of the system. The DWP has made it clear that this approach is about co-production, with disabled people playing a central role in shaping the future of PIP policy.
The review is expected to report its findings to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Autumn 2026, though an interim update will be provided before that. With a clear focus on inclusion and fairness, the government’s commitment to this review represents a crucial step towards improving the lives of disabled people in the UK.
