Overview
- Sir Stephen Timms confirmed the removal of clause 5 from the Universal Credit and PIP Bill, dropping a proposed rule that would have required at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for PIP daily living support.
- The government reiterated that no PIP eligibility changes will proceed until a comprehensive, co‑produced review reports by autumn 2026, led by Timms with co‑chairs Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and an interim update planned.
- DWP operational updates include more face‑to‑face PIP and Work Capability Assessments, increased WCA reassessment capacity, fewer award review calls where claimants’ function has not improved, and a 3.8% uprating of most working‑age and disability benefits from April.
- Motability Scheme reforms will end VAT relief on top‑up payments, introduce a one‑off voluntary payment for higher‑cost vehicles, and apply Insurance Premium Tax, with protections for existing leases and substantially wheelchair‑adapted vehicles and changes applying to new users from July 2026.
- The Scottish Government confirmed that planned changes to PIP eligibility will not affect people receiving Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment.