Written questions by Gelderd.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that lessons are learned from the handling of state pension age changes to prevent similar issues in future decisions.

As set out to Parliament by the Secretary of State in December we are developing an Action Plan, with input from the Ombudsman, so that lessons are learnt. We will publish the Action Plan in due course.We are committed to providing clear and sufficient notice of any changes in the State Pension age, so people have the notice they need to plan for their retirement.The Secretary of State has also tasked officials with developing a strategy for effective, timely and modern communication on the State Pension that uses the most up to date methods. This will build on changes that have already been made, for example the launch of the online ‘Check Your State Pension’ service, which gives a personal forecast of your State Pension including when you can claim it, and how much you can get.

What steps he plans to take to upgrade grid capacity and infrastructure in South East Cornwall to support the integration of renewable energy projects.

The Government’s Clean Energy Superpower and Growth missions will be enabled by a significant reinforcement of our electricity network, at all levels across the high voltage transmission and lower-voltage distribution networks. The network companies are responsible for owning and operating the grid, and Government is working with them, Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to accelerate the delivery of network infrastructure and enable the connection of new renewable generation.

What steps he is taking to (a) incentivise and (b) support households to adopt clean energy solutions in South East Cornwall constituency.

For homes, we have kickstarted delivery of the Government’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan, which will transform homes across the country, including those in South East Cornwall, by making them cleaner and cheaper to run. This includes grant support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), and targeted support for low income and fuel poor households, namely GBIS, ECO. The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and Warm Homes: Local Grant will also begin delivery this year.The Government is also committed to making electric vehicle charging infrastructure more affordable and accessible, particularly for those without off-street parking, and is offering grants to support the installation of private chargepoints in residential and commercial properties.

What steps she is taking to help improve (a) education and (b) training for sustainable jobs in the renewable sector in South East Cornwall constituency.

Areas right across the UK are benefitting from the transition to low carbon energy. The government’s investments in the skills system are promoting education and training that creates meaningful opportunities for all, including in areas such as renewable energy for South East Cornwall.The department funds a range of programmes that develop green skills, including:T Levels in construction, engineering and land management, which can lead to careers as a civil engineering technician or countryside officer, for example.Over 200 occupational standards that include green skills, such as civil engineer, low carbon heating technician and professional forester.Moreover, green energy will be eligible for the first round of shortened apprenticeships that we recently announced as part of our skills reforms.The recently created Skills England is working with partners to map out and address skills needs linked to clean energy.Addressing local renewable energy and green skills needs are a priority set out in Local Skills Improvement Plans, including the plan covering South East Cornwall. With support from the department, local colleges are actively addressing green skills needs through various initiatives and programmes in key areas such as green construction, heat pump technologies and electric vehicles.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure food and allergy labelling laws are updated to provide clearer and accurate information for consumers.

Consumers receiving accurate information about the food they eat is of upmost importance, however any new legislation needs to be carefully considered, taking into account the views of all stakeholders and the balance of costs and benefits, which will take some time The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for food safety, including food allergen labelling, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are working to improve the availability and accuracy of allergen information for non-prepacked foods, which includes foods made to order in restaurants In December 2023, the FSA Board agreed that businesses selling non-prepacked foods, such as cafes and restaurants, should provide allergen information to consumers in writing and this should be supported by a conversation. Following the Board’s decision, FSA officials are working to assess the impact of different legislative options for improving the provision of allergen information for non-prepacked foods. Defra officials are being kept closely informed on the progress of this work. In parallel, taking the steer from the Board, the FSA has created best practice guidance for businesses to provide written information and support this with a conversation, which has just been through a public consultation. This guidance along with tools to assist businesses in following it will be published in the next few days.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the timeline for implementing marine net gain.

Defra is assessing the role that marine net gain may play in nature recovery including consideration of timescales for operation of the policy.

What steps he is taking to increase access to targeted treatments for patients with rare cancers, such as Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Erdheim Chester Disease.

The Department is committed to working with the pharmaceutical industry to develop a more efficient, more competitive, and more accessible clinical research system in the United Kingdom, ensuring that all patients, including those with rarer cancers like Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Erdheim Chester disease, have access to cutting-edge clinical research and innovative, lifesaving treatments.We are also committed to improving waiting times for cancer treatment, so that people with cancer, including rarer cancers, can get access to the care they need more quickly. We will start by delivering an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week, as the first step to ensuring early diagnosis and faster treatment.Finally, the National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology. The plan will seek to improve every aspect of cancer care, to improve the experience and outcomes for people with cancer, including rare and less common cancers.

What steps his Department is taking to meet priority four of the policy paper entitled The UK Rare Diseases Framework, published on 9 January 2021.

The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community, which includes priority four on improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We remain committed to delivering under the framework, and published the fourth England action plan on 28 February 2025.Under priority four:- we have worked with industry, clinicians, and patients to understand the challenges and opportunities of early access pathways for rare disease therapies;- we have committed to continuing to keep the effectiveness of the schemes for rare treatments under review;- the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has launched a review of its highly specialised technology programme for evaluating rare disease treatments;- introduced action 38 on reforming clinical trial regulations; and- introduced action 39 on developing an operational framework for individualised therapies in the National Health Service.For further details, the 2025 England Rare Diseases Action Plan is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-rare-diseases-action-plan-2025

What steps his Department is taking to help improve health outcomes for patients with rare diseases, in the context of the recent announcement by NHS Specialised Commissioning on (a) dabrafenib and (b) trametinib.

In January 2021, the Government published the UK Rare Diseases Framework providing a national vision for how to improve the lives of those living with rare diseases. The 2025 England Rare Diseases Action Plan was published on 28 February 2025.Dabrafenib and trametinib are medicines mostly used for children with cancer. We are committed to getting the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster so that more children and young people survive, and we will improve young cancer patients’ experience across the system.That is why on 4 February 2025 we relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experience for children and young people with cancer. The taskforce will explore opportunities for improvement across detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to introduce a statutory requirement for swift bricks in future building regulations.

The focus of building regulations is health, safety and wellbeing. In general, where wildlife is referenced in building regulations, it is because there is a direct relevance to ensuring structural integrity.Expanding the scope of building regulations would place an additional burden on the people and processes of a regulatory regime which is already dealing with the increased demands of the Building Safety Act whilst supporting a housebuilding target of 1.5 million homes. We therefore consider that measures for nature conservation are better promoted and encouraged, rather than mandated through building regulations.The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

What steps he is taking to mitigate the loss of cavity nesting bird habitats via the Great British Insulation Scheme.

All Government energy efficiency schemes, including the Great British Insulation Scheme, must comply with construction standards as set out by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of mandating the use of swift bricks in national development management policies.

The focus of building regulations is health, safety and wellbeing. In general, where wildlife is referenced in building regulations, it is because there is a direct relevance to ensuring structural integrity.Expanding the scope of building regulations would place an additional burden on the people and processes of a regulatory regime which is already dealing with the increased demands of the Building Safety Act whilst supporting a housebuilding target of 1.5 million homes. We therefore consider that measures for nature conservation are better promoted and encouraged, rather than mandated through building regulations.The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential merits of mandating swift bricks in new property developments.

Natural England has identified that the lack of nest sites is one of the pressures on species including the swift. Therefore, provision of swift bricks may aid recovery alongside other actions, such as to increase food resources. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a revised National Planning Policy Framework in December. This expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support species like swifts, such as swift bricks. Defra policy officials are continuing to work with MHCLG colleagues to consider what action may be appropriate to drive up rates of swift brick installation in new build properties.

What assessment her Department has made of the role of (a) Solicitors Regulation Authority-regulated lawyers and (b) Financial Conduct Authority-regulated financial advisers in facilitating qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes.

The legal profession in England and Wales operates independently of government. The responsibility for regulating the sector sits with the approved regulators, overseen by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. As part of its role, the SRA investigates consumers’ complaints when allegations of solicitor misconduct are made and has a number of disciplinary powers, including the power to issue fines and refer an individual to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which can suspend or strike a solicitor off the roll. Given the sector’s independence, it would not be appropriate for the Ministry of Justice to interfere with the legal activities of regulated professionals. Complaints about a solicitor’s conduct can be made directly to the SRA, via the following link: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/report-solicitor/.Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) are designed to offer individuals the flexibility to transfer their UK pension savings to an overseas pension scheme, for example if relocating abroad. Queries regarding these pension schemes are best directed to the Department for Work and Pensions.HM Treasury is responsible for financial services policy and matters relating to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

What steps she is taking to ensure that the concerns of pension fraud victims are being handled correctly by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The legal profession in England and Wales operates independently of government, with regulation overseen by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors and law firms. As part of its role, the SRA investigates consumers’ complaints when allegations of solicitor misconduct are made. It has a number of disciplinary powers, including the power to issue fines and refer an individual to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which can suspend or strike a solicitor off the roll. If someone wishes to complain about the conduct of a solicitor to the SRA, they can do so via the following link: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/report-solicitor/. The effectiveness of the SRA’s actions in this sphere is overseen by the LSB.The Government also has a key role to play in combatting pension fraud. In particular, the Government supports the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG), a multi-agency taskforce which includes the Department for Work and Pensions, His Majesty’s Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority and The Pensions Regulator amongst other members. The PSAG works to improve public awareness of pension scams and share intelligence leading to enforcement and disruption activity.

What steps her Department is taking with the Financial Conduct Authority to (a) investigate and (b) address (i) fraudulent activity linked to Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes and (ii) the financial impact on UK citizens.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products. Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator. There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework. In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme. Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA. HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

What steps HMRC is taking to (a) engage with victims of pension fraud linked to QROPS and (b) ensure that concerns about regulatory oversight are addressed.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products. Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator. There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework. In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme. Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA. HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

If she will establish a QROPS investigation unit to examine cases of pension fraud and regulatory failings.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products. Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator. There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework. In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme. Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA. HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

Whether her Department has plans to review the regulatory framework for the qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme including the role of the Financial Conduct Authority.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products. Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator. There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework. In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme. Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA. HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.

What estimate she has made of the tax gap associated with pension fraud linked to QROPS; and what steps she has taken to prevent further losses.

A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is the name for any pension scheme located outside the UK which meets the criteria to receive transfers of UK tax relieved pension savings. Where the overseas pension scheme has broadly similar tax characteristics to a UK registered pension scheme. QROPS are pension schemes, not products. Although QROPS can receive UK tax relieved pension savings, this does not mean that the UK has a right to regulate pension schemes in other countries. However, those overseas schemes are required to be regulated by a pensions regulator in the overseas country where they are established in order for them to receive UK tax relieved pensions. HMRC does not impose restrictions on assets a QROPS can invest in that is for the overseas regulator. There are no plans to make HMRC, or the Pensions Regulator (TPR), or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate QROPS. That would not be appropriate because the UK does not have jurisdiction over overseas pension schemes. HMRC’s primary role is to protect UK tax relief that have been given. HMRC can remove the QROPS status from pension schemes when it is not appropriate for the scheme to continue to be able to receive UK tax relieved pension savings. There are also no plans to introduce an investigation unit into QROPS or review the regulatory framework. In the UK individuals are free to transfer their pension savings but must get financial advice for larger amounts. The QROPS rules allow individuals to move abroad to live or work to take their pension savings with them. HMRC makes clear that individuals should seek suitable professional advice, including from a regulated financial adviser, when transferring pension savings to a QROPS. A transfer to a QROPS is covered by the requirement to take regulated financial advice if transferring more than £30,000 from a Defined Benefit scheme. Additionally, pension scheme administrators are responsible for carrying out due diligence on transfers to other pension schemes. They are also responsible for complying with the requirements of TPR and the FCA. HMRC, TPR and the FCA are part of the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) - a multi-agency taskforce of law enforcement, Government and industry working together to tackle pension fraud.