UK Government Delays PIP Changes Until Autumn 2026 Review Led by Stephen Timms, Scraps Four-Point Rule in Welfare Bill

The UK government has postponed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility until after a review led by Welfare Minister Stephen Timms, scheduled to conclude in autumn 2026. This decision represents a major reversal from the original plan to implement welfare reforms, including a four-point eligibility rule for PIP payments, starting in November 2026. The government had anticipated saving £4.5 billion by 2029/30 through these reforms. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has indicated that without the PIP reforms, the diluted welfare bill is unlikely to generate any savings over the next four years. The PIP section of the welfare bill has been scrapped ahead of a parliamentary vote, with the review being conducted in consultation with disability groups, making it improbable that the four-point criteria will be adopted. The welfare bill passed a critical vote despite criticism from MPs and calls for the government to withdraw and replace the legislation due to the uncertainty about its purpose following these concessions.