Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has considered reviewing the Police Pension Scheme regulations to allow surviving spouses and partners to retain pension entitlement for life regardless of remarriage or cohabitation.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Serving police officers have access to the 2015 police pension scheme, which provides life-long survivor benefits for spouses, civil partners and unmarried partners, including those who remarry or cohabit after losing a spouse. All eligible police officers have had an opportunity to join a pension scheme with life-long survivor benefits, since the introduction of the 2006 police pension scheme.

For officers who joined policing prior to 2006, the 1987 police pension scheme provides a pension for the widow, widower or civil partner of a police officer who dies. In common with most other public service pension schemes of that time, these benefits cease to be payable where the widow, widower or civil partner remarries or cohabits with another partner.

From 1 April 2015, the 1987 police pension scheme was amended to allow widows, widowers and civil partners of police officers who have died as a result of an injury on duty to receive their survivor benefits for life regardless of remarriage, civil partnership or cohabitation.

The 1987 police pension scheme is now a closed scheme, superseded by the 2015 scheme, and there are no plans to make further improvements to the benefits accrued under it.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of the proposals included in National Association of Retired Police Officers widow's campaign entitled Love or Money.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Serving police officers have access to the 2015 police pension scheme, which provides life-long survivor benefits for spouses, civil partners and unmarried partners, including those who remarry or cohabit after losing a spouse. All eligible police officers have had an opportunity to join a pension scheme with life-long survivor benefits, since the introduction of the 2006 police pension scheme.

For officers who joined policing prior to 2006, the 1987 police pension scheme provides a pension for the widow, widower or civil partner of a police officer who dies. In common with most other public service pension schemes of that time, these benefits cease to be payable where the widow, widower or civil partner remarries or cohabits with another partner.

From 1 April 2015, the 1987 police pension scheme was amended to allow widows, widowers and civil partners of police officers who have died as a result of an injury on duty to receive their survivor benefits for life regardless of remarriage, civil partnership or cohabitation.

The 1987 police pension scheme is now a closed scheme, superseded by the 2015 scheme, and there are no plans to make further improvements to the benefits accrued under it.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of introducing transitional protection for students who enrolled on university courses since found to have been wrongly classified for student finance purposes.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises the uncertainty being faced by students affected by the misclassification of weekend courses and that the support offered has not, in all cases, yet been delivered with the consistency or urgency these circumstances require by their institutions.

We have therefore instructed the Student Loan Company to recover overpaid loan funding through the student loan repayment system as normal, and to pause recoveries of overpaid grants until at least September while we consider next steps.

We have been clear that the responsibility for the classification of courses for student finance purposes rests with higher education providers. The department provides clear guidance on eligibility requirements, including the distinction between in‑attendance and weekend‑only courses. We are continuing to insist that all new maintenance funding for students enrolled on ineligible weekend-only courses must stop.

The Office for Students is also looking closely at this issue, and we expect it to take robust action where necessary to address any regulatory breaches.

In parallel, we are strengthening oversight and assurance to ensure course classifications are applied consistently, transparently, and in a way that cannot be misused or inadvertently misapplied in ways that misleads students and risk public funds.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Student Loan Company recovery action following the misclassification of weekend courses as in-attendance courses for the purposes of student finance on students.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises the uncertainty being faced by students affected by the misclassification of weekend courses and that the support offered has not, in all cases, yet been delivered with the consistency or urgency these circumstances require by their institutions.

We have therefore instructed the Student Loan Company to recover overpaid loan funding through the student loan repayment system as normal, and to pause recoveries of overpaid grants until at least September while we consider next steps.

We have been clear that the responsibility for the classification of courses for student finance purposes rests with higher education providers. The department provides clear guidance on eligibility requirements, including the distinction between in‑attendance and weekend‑only courses. We are continuing to insist that all new maintenance funding for students enrolled on ineligible weekend-only courses must stop.

The Office for Students is also looking closely at this issue, and we expect it to take robust action where necessary to address any regulatory breaches.

In parallel, we are strengthening oversight and assurance to ensure course classifications are applied consistently, transparently, and in a way that cannot be misused or inadvertently misapplied in ways that misleads students and risk public funds.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to pause recovery action being undertaken by the Student Loans Company against students whose universities misclassified weekend courses as in-attendance courses whilst any (a) review and (b) regulatory action takes place.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises the uncertainty being faced by students affected by the misclassification of weekend courses and that the support offered has not, in all cases, yet been delivered with the consistency or urgency these circumstances require by their institutions.

We have therefore instructed the Student Loan Company to recover overpaid loan funding through the student loan repayment system as normal, and to pause recoveries of overpaid grants until at least September while we consider next steps.

We have been clear that the responsibility for the classification of courses for student finance purposes rests with higher education providers. The department provides clear guidance on eligibility requirements, including the distinction between in‑attendance and weekend‑only courses. We are continuing to insist that all new maintenance funding for students enrolled on ineligible weekend-only courses must stop.

The Office for Students is also looking closely at this issue, and we expect it to take robust action where necessary to address any regulatory breaches.

In parallel, we are strengthening oversight and assurance to ensure course classifications are applied consistently, transparently, and in a way that cannot be misused or inadvertently misapplied in ways that misleads students and risk public funds.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support universities in correctly classify courses (a) in-attendance and (b) weekend only.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises the uncertainty being faced by students affected by the misclassification of weekend courses and that the support offered has not, in all cases, yet been delivered with the consistency or urgency these circumstances require by their institutions.

We have therefore instructed the Student Loan Company to recover overpaid loan funding through the student loan repayment system as normal, and to pause recoveries of overpaid grants until at least September while we consider next steps.

We have been clear that the responsibility for the classification of courses for student finance purposes rests with higher education providers. The department provides clear guidance on eligibility requirements, including the distinction between in‑attendance and weekend‑only courses. We are continuing to insist that all new maintenance funding for students enrolled on ineligible weekend-only courses must stop.

The Office for Students is also looking closely at this issue, and we expect it to take robust action where necessary to address any regulatory breaches.

In parallel, we are strengthening oversight and assurance to ensure course classifications are applied consistently, transparently, and in a way that cannot be misused or inadvertently misapplied in ways that misleads students and risk public funds.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the answer of 22 April 2026 to question 127321 and the answer of 28 April 2026 to question 128520, if her Department will update Parliament on the work of the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Advisory Group first met in November 2024, and has met four times since it was established, in order to provide technical advice as necessary. Membership of the group will be published at the same time as evaluation findings, in order to safeguard the integrity of the group and its advice in the meantime.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent progress the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group has made in its work.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Advisory Group first met in November 2024, and has met four times since it was established, in order to provide technical advice as necessary. Membership of the group will be published at the same time as evaluation findings, in order to safeguard the integrity of the group and its advice in the meantime.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what role the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group is playing in the development and evaluation of pilots for financial risk assessments.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Advisory Group first met in November 2024, and has met four times since it was established, in order to provide technical advice as necessary. Membership of the group will be published at the same time as evaluation findings, in order to safeguard the integrity of the group and its advice in the meantime.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many times the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group has met since its establishment.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Advisory Group first met in November 2024, and has met four times since it was established, in order to provide technical advice as necessary. Membership of the group will be published at the same time as evaluation findings, in order to safeguard the integrity of the group and its advice in the meantime.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group was set up.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Advisory Group first met in November 2024, and has met four times since it was established, in order to provide technical advice as necessary. Membership of the group will be published at the same time as evaluation findings, in order to safeguard the integrity of the group and its advice in the meantime.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who the members of the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group are.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Advisory Group first met in November 2024, and has met four times since it was established, in order to provide technical advice as necessary. Membership of the group will be published at the same time as evaluation findings, in order to safeguard the integrity of the group and its advice in the meantime.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

Social Security

Energy Conservation

Found: Susan Murray (Liberal Democrat, Mid Dunbartonshire) (added 28 Oct 2024) 42 of 54 (77.8%) Jack Rankin

Found: Douglas McAllister (Labour; West Dunbartonshire) Susan Murray (Liberal Democrat; Mid Dunbartonshire) Jack Rankin

Found: Maureen Burke; Dave Doogan; Lillian Jones; Mr Angus MacDonald; Douglas McAllister; Susan Murray; Jack Rankin