Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

MPs Told PIP Targets Overwhelm Assessors, Timms Review Looms

8/26/2026

49 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

UK Department for Work and Pensions staff say the target-driven Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system overwhelms assessors.
Former assessor James Merrell said managers forced him to lower points.
Ex-assessor Phillipa reported doing three to four assessments daily, which made her cry.
Pat McFadden told MPs the Timms review could cut PIP spending.
Conservatives and Reform UK propose cutting PIP, estimating 2.89 million could lose benefits.

1 of 1

Story summary

UK Department for Work and Pensions staff say the target-driven Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system overwhelms assessors.
Former assessor James Merrell said managers forced him to lower points.
Ex-assessor Phillipa reported doing three to four assessments daily, which made her cry.
Pat McFadden told MPs the Timms review could cut PIP spending.
Conservatives and Reform UK propose cutting PIP, estimating 2.89 million could lose benefits.