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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed no changes to the daily living or mobility components of Personal independence payment (PIP) until the Timms Review concludes next Autumn. The DWP has previously said there would be no changes to the mobility element, however, in Parliament on Monday, Sir Stephen Timms did not rule it out. The Minister for Social Security and Disability took a question during the scheduled DWP session from Labour backbencher Emma Lewell about the Motability scheme, which PIP claimants can access by swapping all or part of their higher rate of their mobility award, to lease a new vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. Speculation is growing that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could reform parts of the Motability scheme, to make savings at next month’s Autumn Budget. The South Shields MP, told the Commons: “Motability is a lifeline for people with disabilities for getting to health appointments, studying, maintaining employment and so much more. “Cuts to the scheme risk increased health needs and increased unemployment likely to cost much more than any short-term savings. Does (Sir Stephen) agree that before any proposed cuts, a proper impact assessment is absolutely vital?” Sir Stephen replied: “I can assure (Ms Lewell) that there will be no changes to the eligibility conditions for the PIP mobility component or indeed the other aspects of PIP until the conclusion of the review, which I will be leading and co-producing with disabled people. “And that’s expected to report in the Autumn of next year.” In a separate written question t o the DWP, former Labour and now an Independent MP, Rachel Maskell asked the DWP ‘what steps it is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances’ of PIP. In a written response on Monday, Sir Stephen said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future. “We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. “We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.” Sir Stephen was also asked in the Commons if the DWP have sufficient measures in place to spot claimants ‘faking mental health’ issues to access payments of up to £749 every month. Conservative MP for New Forest East Sir Julian Lewis said: “When severe mental illness strikes, it can be devastating and totally debilitating. But the problem from his Department’s point of view is that its symptoms are invisible. “There have been reports about people faking mental illness in order to gain benefits.Is he satisfied that his Department has appropriate checks in place?” Sir Stephen replied: “Yes, I think appropriate checks are in place, but as I’ve just mentioned, we are undertaking this review of the PIP assessment and we will need to look carefully - and we’ll be doing this together with disabled people - look carefully at the way these decisions and judgments are made.” At the end of July 2025, there were more than 3.8 million people in receipt of PIP, including 1,482,217 people claiming for a condition under ‘Psychiatric disorders’. This is the main disabling descriptor used by the DWP during the assessment process and it covers anxiety and mood disorders, stress reactions and depressive disorders, along with a wide range of other conditions that may affect someone's mental wellbeing.
