13 Jul 2026
The publication of the interim findings from the Timms Review is an important step in the conversation about the future of disability benefits.
We welcome the recognition that the current system is not working for many people. This reflects what disabled people and their families have been telling us for some time: that the assessment process can be stressful, difficult to navigate and, as many people told the review, dehumanising. It does not always reflect the reality of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
Recognising the need for reform is an important first step. However, this is only an interim report, and the detail of any proposed changes will be critical.
It is encouraging to see disabled people’s experiences and perspectives reflected throughout the interim report, recognising the importance of lived experience in shaping the future of the system. Disabled people are experts in their own lives. They build resilience, contribute to their communities and play an important role in shaping the places and services around them. Any future system must recognise this and support people in a way that reflects their individual circumstances, ambitions and strengths.
The review also highlights the importance of looking beyond the benefits system alone. PIP provides vital financial support for many disabled people, helping them manage the additional costs of disability and live independently. However, benefit reform alone will not remove the wider barriers that many disabled people face in accessing opportunities, building independence and achieving their ambitions.
At Hamelin, our approach has always been to listen to disabled people and their families, understand the barriers they face and develop practical solutions in response. We use the insight and experiences of the people we support to shape new services and programmes that address real needs and create opportunities for people to thrive.
One of the themes highlighted by the review is the importance of supporting disabled people to participate, contribute and achieve their ambitions, including through employment where this is right for them. However, creating these opportunities requires more than reforming the benefits system. It requires investment in the right support, services and infrastructure to address the barriers disabled people face.
Hamelin’s Ability Works programme demonstrates the impact of personalised, strengths-based support for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. Through employment training, one-to-one mentoring and meaningful work experience, we help people build confidence, develop skills and explore opportunities in a way that reflects their individual goals and circumstances, while challenging some of the barriers that can prevent people accessing employment.
Reform must look beyond assessment processes and consider the wider support system around disabled people, ensuring they have the opportunities, services and community support they need to participate, contribute and thrive.
We look forward to considering the final recommendations when they are published later this year and understanding what they will mean in practice for disabled people, their families and those who support them. Crucially, any reform must continue to have disabled people at its heart. Their experiences and expertise must guide decision making, ensuring that changes deliver meaningful improvements and do not create new barriers.