RNIB responds to a new report as part of the Timms Review which found Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process is no longer fit for purpose
Sir Stephen Timms MP learns about assistive technology at an RNIB event. The MP looks on as a young man demonstrates working on a laptop with assistive technology.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has today (Thursday, 9 July) published an Interim Report as part of the review into PIP carried out by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability.
Sophie Dodgeon, RNIB Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs, said:
“The Timms review tells us what blind and partially sighted people have been telling us for years – that the current PIP assessment process is too often stressful, frustrating and not fit for purpose.
"PIP is a vital lifeline that helps people meet the significant extra costs of sight loss, but too many people face assessments that fail to properly understand the realities blind and partially sighted people face. Too many are then forced to challenge decisions that are later overturned.
"As this review moves forward, we want to see a system that is informed by lived experience, delivers accurate decisions first time, reduces unnecessary reassessments, and treats blind and partially sighted people with dignity and respect. Continued engagement with people with sight loss will be essential to getting this right."
