Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure a balance of perspectives among the chairs and steering group members of the review of Personal Independent Payment, and whether they will consider members with backgrounds in operational delivery, systems reform and efficiency.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) draws on a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

On 30 October the Minister for Social Security and Disability announced that he would co-chair the Review alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and experience in health and disability issues, as well as the co-production process.

Members of the steering group will be recruited through an open Expression of Interest process, which is now live. The EOI has been designed to ensure the steering group reflects a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds. The t applications will be sifted against the criteria set out in the EOI, including experience and expertise in disability and social security issues, working with disabled people, commitment to working collaboratively and inclusively, and ability to evaluate a range of evidence and engage with complex policy issues.

The steering group will not work alone: it will oversee a wider programme of participation to ensure the full range of views and voices are heard.

The Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.