Sir Stephen Timms

The provision of cash to meet the additional costs of disability is vital.

We will not be moving away from the importance of that, but I think there is a question about whether the process can also point people towards help that may be valuable to them in addition to, or in some cases perhaps instead of, a cash…

This interim report delivers a clear message: while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is not working as intended and needs fundamental change.

We're certainly going to be looking fairly at how these decisions are being made, and the question of fiscal sustainability for the benefit is going to be a concern as we reach these decisions.

My view is that the current level of spending is not a great concern. What would be a concern would be if it carried on going up forever more.

We need to examine how Pip can respond to the rising number of people seeking support and whether it adequately reflects the diverse reality and needs of disabled people today.

We are committed to making changes so that Pip can fulfil its purpose for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, both now and into the future.

Our message is simple: Pip is not working. It is not working for the people that go through the process, nor for a government committed to supporting disabled people.

The end of the scheme comes alongside significant steps we've already taken to help people into work.

We've provided extensive tailored support to ensure the most vulnerable customers are supported on every step of their journey.

The successful completion of move to universal credit marks a major milestone, with nearly two million people having now moved on to universal credit from legacy benefits.