The interim findings of the Timms Review are expected to conclude that the current points-based disability benefits system is not fit for purpose, and that a new approach is needed to better reflect the diverse realities and needs of disabled people today.
The Timms Review is the Government’s independent review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Back in May, the Government announced a wider programme of evidence-gathering and public engagement, encouraging people with disabilities, such as ME, to submit evidence to the Timms Review.
For many people with ME, PIP plays a vital role in supporting independence and access to essential daily living support.
However, the current points-based system does not adequately account for the fluctuation, variability and energy limitation experienced by people with ME. It also fails to reflect the reality of living with an invisible and poorly understood condition.
Action for ME, alongside other organisations, provided evidence to the Timms Review to help ensure that the experiences of people with ME were represented. We also met with Stephen Timms in July 2025 and attended the shadow of the Department for Work and Pensions’ roundtable with other disability stakeholder groups.
We welcome recognition that the current system is not working for many disabled people. Any reform must be developed with disabled people and their representative organisations, and must lead to a fairer, more compassionate and more accurate assessment process.
We will continue to monitor developments from the Timms Review and share updates as more information becomes available.
