Ian Sollom MP reconvenes local PIP Forum and pledges to push the Government to put disabled people and charities at the heart of the Timms Review

Ian Sollom MP, alongside a coalition of local people, support groups and charities, has warned that people will continue living “in fear and limbo” for the next 18 months as the Government carries out its review into Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments.

The warning came after Ian reconvened the PIP forum, which was formed in April following the Government’s announcement of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit Bill and planned benefits cuts. The group met again on Friday to (11^th July) and although it acknowledged that the Government’s decision to remove changes to PIP eligibility activities and descriptors from the Bill was positive, there was deep concern at the PIP assessment review which is being led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP and will conclude in Autumn 2026.

Personal Independence Payment is an in-work benefit which is designed to help with everyday tasks such as getting washed and dressed, and for help getting around if someone has mobility issues.

One young man who is supported by Switch Now, an alternative education and training provider, said the fear of having PIP removed is preventing him and others he knows from being independent because if it is cut then he will have to rely completely on his parents for transport and other support.

Switch Now Job Coach, Nicola, who supports people into employment, said: “There are so many people living in limbo who feel out of control of their finances and lives because they don’t know what the PIP review will conclude. Our aim is to help them with training and to find jobs so they can live independently, but if this money is taken away then so are their opportunities.”

During the meeting, which was held in the Citizen Hub in St Neots, the group called on the Government to ensure people receiving PIP and local organisations and charities who support them every day are fully involved in the assessment review. They urged the Government to ensure disabled people are given the opportunity to shape the changes and policies from the review, so it is fit for purpose.

Other areas that were discussed included:

• There were also concerns raised about the impact of changes planned to the eligibility criteria for the Universal Credit health element, which will create a two-tier system with new applicants from November 2026 being assessed on different criteria, even if they have the same conditions as those currently receiving it.
• Concerns around the wording of the Universal Credit health element eligibility criteria which uses the word ‘constant’ in terms of health conditions. People with fluctuating conditions, such as MS and arthritis, could therefore be left out of eligibility for this vital support.
• Carers UK raised the issue that PIP is a ‘gateway’ benefit for receiving Carers Allowance and if people are no longer eligible for PIP, their carers will miss out on much-need financial support.
• Disability Huntingdonshire said that people are terrified of the review and what it will mean for them. They also said that those currently in the PIP assessment appeal process could miss out on financial support because the process takes so long and the review may conclude before their appeal does.
• Reports that the basic rate of Universal Credit is not enough for people to live on - Cambridge City Foodbank said that hunger is making people unwell and exacerbating other health conditions.

Ian Sollom MP said: “I am very grateful to everyone for giving their valuable time to update me and the group on what is happening locally, how people are being affected and their thoughts around the Timms Review.

“Over parliamentary recess, I will be working with my Liberal Democrat colleagues on how we can push for better processes to involve those receiving PIP and the organisations supporting them in the welfare reforms, while keeping vulnerable people safe. Testimony from these local organisations, as well as from the many messages and emails I have received from constituents, is incredibly valuable in pushing for a fair deal for disabled people and their carers.

“Thank you to the Citizen Hub for hosting us again and thank you to all the organisations who participated and continue to do such fantastic work helping those in need in our community.”

Groups forming the coalition:

• Citizen Advice Rural Cambs
• St Neots Foodbank
• Citizen Hub
• Papworth Trust
• Carers UK
• Money Advice St Neots
• Cambridgeshire Acre
• Citizens Advice Cambridge
• Switch Now
• Disability Huntingdonshire
• MS Society
• Cambridge City Foodbank
• Epilepsy Now