The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has “accepted” key recommendations for changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Universal Credit regulations.
The Social Security Advisory Committee has recommended five key changes to The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2026. Of these, the DWP has agreed to implement four.
Dr. Stephen Brien, the committee chair, said: “I am pleased that you have accepted four of the Committee’s five recommendations, with the remaining one partially accepted. While some of our recommendations will take time to fully implement, I view your response as a significant step forward in aligning with the stated policy intent, providing clearer reassurance to claimants with disabilities or health conditions who wish to explore work without fearing reassessment or award review.”
The DWP has agreed to four changes:
- Initiating reassessment within at least six months of a claimant starting paid or voluntary work under the ‘Right to Try’ guarantee, except where fraud or non-work-related evidence of a change of circumstances is suspected.
- Establishing that evidence of functional capacity from work activity or performance during the protected period will not, on its own, be considered as demonstrating sustained capability in any assessment or reassessment.
- Updating guidance to accept leaving employment or voluntary work for health reasons during the protected period as a valid reason for sanctions and conditionality decisions, in the absence of contrary evidence.
- Developing a communications strategy aligned with the regulations, ensuring claimants are not misled about the rules and assessment framework.
In a response to the letter, DWP boss Pat McFadden acknowledged the Committee’s concerns, saying: “I recognise that fear of reassessment remains a significant barrier to work. While the Committee believes that the Right to Try regulations as currently drafted may not provide sufficient reassurance, we are working to address this issue.”
For further updates and progress on these changes, the DWP has pledged to keep the committee informed.
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