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Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that Britain’s disability benefits system is “unsustainable” — yet a review of the system will not result in any cost savings.
He aims to reduce claims.
However, the Timms Review, which was initiated this week, has ruled out any potential savings, indicating that the £22 billion annual expense will continue to rise.
This follows Sir Keir's decision to abandon plans for cuts after a rebellion from backbenchers earlier this year.
The reversal led to the Timms Review — described as the first comprehensive audit of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) since its introduction a decade ago.
The review is being conducted by Welfare Minister Sir Stephen Timms in collaboration with rights advocates and is expected to report next month.
However, a document released this week clearly states that the review will not “generate proposals for further savings.”
Moreover, its terms of reference specify that it will “operate within the Office for Budget Responsibility’s projections” for expenditures. These projections already indicate that the PIP costs have doubled since 2020 to £22 billion — and are expected to exceed £30 billion by 2030.
Statistics have shown that nearly 250 individuals per day are being granted disability benefits for anxiety, with the most rapid increase observed among young people.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated: “We are dedicated to reforming a broken welfare system that we inherited.”
When asked if Sir Keir intended to reduce the benefits bill, he responded: “Yes, absolutely . . . the number of claims has significantly increased.”
Shadow Chancellor Sir said last night: “They acknowledge that the disability benefits system is flawed and unsustainable, yet their review won’t save a single penny.”
Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that Britain’s disability benefits system is ‘unsustainable’Credit: EPA
What is the Timms Review?
The Timms Review is the first comprehensive audit of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) since its introduction a decade ago, led by Welfare Minister Sir Stephen Timms and rights advocates.
Will the Timms Review result in cost savings?
No, the review has explicitly stated that it will not generate proposals for further savings, meaning the cost of the disability benefits system will continue to rise.
What are the current projections for PIP spending?
Current projections indicate that PIP spending has doubled since 2020 to £22 billion and is expected to exceed £30 billion by 2030.
