Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, 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.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

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).

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to ensure that the concerns of pension fraud victims are being handled correctly by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

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.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, 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.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

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.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to introduce a statutory requirement for swift bricks in future building regulations.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

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.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to mitigate the loss of cavity nesting bird habitats via the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

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.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, 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.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

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.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

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

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

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

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, 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.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

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.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, 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.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will establish a QROPS investigation unit to examine cases of pension fraud and regulatory failings.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with HMRC on the regulation and oversight of QROPS to ensure consumer protection.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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.

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Mr Toby Perkins (Chair); Julia Buckley; Anna Gelderd; Martin Rhodes

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Mr Toby Perkins (Chair); Julia Buckley; Anna Gelderd; Martin Rhodes

Found: meeting Members present: Mr Toby Perkins (Chair); Julia Buckley; Ellie Chowns; Barry Gardiner; Anna Gelderd

Found: Environmental Audit Committee member present: Anna Gelderd.

Found: Environmental Audit Committee member present: Anna Gelderd.