The findings relate to plans to expand digital applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps people with long-term health conditions or disabilities cover extra living costs.

Data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggests:

• PIP registrations rose by 22% in the first year of the trial
• Successful claims increased by 7% in the first 19 weeks

The report concluded that digital applications were less stressful and more convenient than phone or paper applications.

Some applicants reported that phone applications required them to be “in the right headspace”, while paper forms were considered “daunting”.

We are closing two outdated benefits today

Income Support and income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance have been replaced by Universal Credit, which opens up a range of support to help people move closer to or into work

Find out more https://t.co/C4xnK5DWGk pic.twitter.com/FW8Xn4GUkA

— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) March 31, 2026

Digital applications, on the other hand, were given the following feedback:

• More flexible
• Easier to complete
• Less anxiety-inducing

The trial indicates that online applications could make PIP more accessible to people who may have struggled with traditional methods. But, there is no ‘one size fits all’ method to any application process.

Recommended reading:

How to apply for PIP online

Applying for PIP online is now straightforward and can increase your chances of a smooth claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check eligibility

2. Visit the official PIP website

3. Create a Government Gateway account

4. Fill in the online form

   • Provide personal details, medical history, and information on how your condition affects daily life.

5. Attach supporting evidence

6. Submit and track

7. Assessment

Helen Whately, shadow work and pensions secretary, warned that all PIP assessments should remain face-to-face: “The last thing we need is DWP encouraging online assessments – opening up a benefits Pandora’s box with ever easier access.”

The government trial suggests online applications reduce barriers but also increase overall claim numbers, which has raised political debate about the cost of benefits.

The I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! spin-off returned for a second series earlier this week and will be running for most of the month.

Already, the drama in camp has begun, as Gemma Collins clashed with Sinitta after the singer questioned Gemma’s career and talent, referring to the TV personality as a “comedian”.

At the end of Friday’s (April 10) episode, hosts Ant and Dec teased that two new arrivals – Jimmy Bullard and Harry Redknapp – were on their way.

However, fans of I’m a Celebrity South Africa will have to wait until Monday (April 13) to see how well the pair fit into camp as they join the likes of Scarlett Moffatt, David Haye and Adam Thomas.

Is I’m a Celebrity South Africa on every night?

This year, the I’m a Celebrity spin-off air will air Monday to Friday, taking a break at weekends, therefore there will be no episodes on Saturdays or Sundays.

Five episodes have already been aired since the programme launched last Monday (April 6).

This is the full remaining TV schedule for I’m a Celebrity South Africa, including the final:

• Episode 6 – Monday, April 13 at 9pm
• Episode 7 – Tuesday, April 14 at 9pm
• Episode 8 – Wednesday, April 15 at 9pm
• Episode 9 – Thursday, April 16 at 9pm
• Episode 10 – Friday, April 17 at 9pm
• Episode 11 – Monday, April 20 at 9pm
• Episode 12 – Tuesday, April 21 at 9pm
• Episode 13 – Wednesday, April 22 at 9pm
• Episode 14 – Thursday, April 23 at 9pm
• Episode 15 (the final) – Friday, April 24 at 7.30pm and 10pm

When you turn on an air fryer round Gemma Collin’s house pic.twitter.com/T4zwg0Ude6

— antanddec (@antanddec) April 9, 2026

ITV gives I’m a Celebrity South Africa live final schedule update

It was recently announced the live final of I’m a Celebrity South Africa broadcast in London later this month will be split into two parts.

The first instalment will be broadcast from 7.30pm until 9pm, followed by the second instalment at 10pm until 10.30pm, when the winner will be revealed.

Viewers will have the chance to vote for the next jungle legend – they will follow in the footsteps of Myleene Klass who won the first I’m a Celebrity South Africa series in 2023.

In between the two-part final, the hour gap will be occupied with Graham Norton’s new reality show The Neighbourhood.

Recommended reading:

When was I’m a Celeb South Africa 2026 filmed?

Although the main I’m a Celebrity show is filmed live in Australia during December each year, filming for the South African version is slightly different.

The spin-off is pre-recorded and the 2026 series was filmed during September 2025.

All the famous faces taking part in I’m a Celebrity South Africa this year, are:

• Adam Thomas
• Ashley Roberts
• Scarlett Moffatt
• David Haye
• Beverley Callard
• Seann Walsh
• Sinitta
• Sir Mo Farah
• Gemma Collins
• Craig Charles
• Jimmy Bullard
• Harry Redknapp

I’m a Celebrity South Africa continues on Monday, April 13 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The plans, submitted by Bloombridge LLP and the Blenheim Estate, are for ‘Oxford Technology Park 2’, on land adjoining and north of Begbroke Lane, in Begbroke.

The scheme, submitted to Cherwell District Council, includes 93,000sqm of employment floorspace, associated car parking, provision of an education facility, sport and recreation facilities, new public open space and new access and junction in Langford Lane.

The site is just next to the existing Oxford Technology Park, near Woodstock Road.

So far no members of the public have submitted comments in support or objection to the major plans.

READ MORE: Skyscrapers and ships built faster than Oxford Botley Road closure

Oxford Technology Park 2 masterplan (Image: Cherwell District Council)

In the application’s planning documents, it said: “Oxford Technology Park 2 is conceived as a next-generation mid-tech innovation campus, building upon the success of Oxford Technology Park, designed to bring together research, enterprise, education, and community in a sustainable and inclusive environment.

“Anchored within the Oxfordshire knowledge economy, the park will provide high-quality facilities that both respond to local needs and contribute to the region’s global reputation for science, technology, and innovation.

“A central ambition is to foster stronger links between the academic and business communities.

“The park will extend Oxfordshire’s Innovation Avenue, establishing a dedicated hub where companies, schools, universities, and technical training providers can come together.

“Facilities will include collaborative learning environments and outdoor ‘learning through landscapes’ initiatives that connect people with the natural environment.

“These elements will ensure that education, training, and enterprise are embedded within the design of the park, creating pathways for future skills and employment.”

The documents added: “The application site is located at a pivotal point on the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor, within the Science North cluster and emerging Innovation District centred on the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park, Oxford Technology Park and London Oxford Airport.

“The opportunity to grow the economy in this location is compelling, and has national and international significance.

“The proposals to expand Oxford Technology Park align with national objectives and represents a significant opportunity to support economic growth within the District by delivering high-quality, flexible science and technology accommodation adjoining the successful first phase of development.

“The scheme responds to a clear and compelling unmet need for modern research and innovation space within the area known as ‘Science North’ – extending from the A34 immediately north of Oxford, through Kidlington, to London Oxford Airport, Langford Lane and Begbroke Science Park.

“This opportunity area is of particular importance given its proximity to Oxford, the university, and established innovation clusters.”