Written questions by Rankin.

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.

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.

How many children have been the victim of a stabbing incident in educational settings in each of the last two academic years for which data is available by type of setting.

Awaiting answer.

Media and Sport, how many times the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group has met since its establishment.

Awaiting answer.

Media and Sport, what recent progress the Gambling Act Review Evaluation Advisory Group has made in its work.

Awaiting answer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What steps she is taking to support universities in correctly classify courses (a) in-attendance and (b) weekend only.

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.

Communities and Local Government, whether the evidence they commissioned prior to launching a consultation on introducing an overnight levy included an international comparison of VAT levels on hospitality.

Ahead of launching the consultation, the Government considered a broad range of evidence on the case for a discretionary overnight visitor levy, including international comparisons of VAT rates on hospitality. The consultation closed on 18 February, and the Government will publish its formal response in due course. Any decision to introduce a levy would be taken locally, with Mayors required to consult widely before determining whether it is appropriate for their area.

Communities and Local Government, what consideration he has given to the potential impact of the planned visitor levy on (a) job opportunities and vacancies, (b) job losses and (c) high street footfall in (i) city centres, (ii) rural communities and (iii) coastal towns as part of her High Street Strategy.

The government’s consultation on the proposed visitor levy closed on 18 February. The government is currently analysing responses and will publish an official response in due course. The decision on whether to introduce a visitor levy would rest with individual Mayors, who would need to determine whether a levy is right for their area. Any impacts, including on employment and high street footfall, would therefore depend on local decisions, following local consideration and consultation on specific proposals.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the introduction of a visitor levy on the number of young people employed in hospitality.

The impacts of introducing a visitor levy will depend on decisions taken locally. It would be for Mayors and local leaders to decide whether a levy is appropriate for their area, following local consultation on specific proposals. The detailed design and scope of any visitor levy remain under development. The Government’s response to the consultation, which closed on 18 February, will be published in due course.

Whether her Department has undertaken modelling of the potential impact of introducing an overnight visitor levy on tourism demand in terms of a) number of nights stayed by domestic and international visitors, b) number of visits by domestic and international visitors, c) accommodation spend linked to number of nights spent in accommodation and d) tourism spend.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Whether her Department has undertaken an assessment of the potential impact of an overnight visitor levy on (a) employment in the hospitality and tourism sector, (b) regional growth and (c) tax receipts, including (i) VAT, (ii) income tax and (iii) National Insurance contributions associated with overnight stays and related visitor spending.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Whether her Department has undertaken modelling on the potential impact of introducing an overnight visitor levy on a) high street footfall, b) numbers of empty shops and c) social mobility.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Whether her Department has undertaken modelling of the potential impact of introducing an overnight visitor levy on the economy in terms of a) jobs, b) GDP, c) sectoral investment and d) net tax benefit.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of taxes on the hospitality sector in (a) 2024, (b) 2025 and (c) the first quarter of 2026; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of further tax on hospitality businesses’ (i) confidence, (ii) profitability and (iii) ability to expand.

The Government recognises the important contribution that businesses in the hospitality sector make to local communities, the high street and the wider economy across the UK. The potential impacts of changes on this sector are carefully considered as part of policy development. Where changes are made, relevant impact notes and assessments are published at fiscal events and otherwise as necessary, in line with the Government’s usual practice. The Treasury and other government departments also engage regularly with the hospitality sector to understand the challenges they face. The Government continues to provide targeted support to the hospitality sector through the tax system and other policies and keeps all areas of the tax system under review.

Whether her Department has undertaken research on the social and economic value of the hospitality and tourism industry for communities; and the potential impact of a visitor levy on communities.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Whether her Department has (a) undertaken and (b) commissioned an impact assessment on the potential effects of introducing an overnight visitor levy on the hospitality and tourism industry.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Whether she has undertaken modelling and future proofing of the Government’s target to reach 50 million visitors by 2030 in the context of the proposal to introduce a visitor levy in England; and what assessment she has made of whether this levy will (a) increase or (b) decrease the likelihood of reaching this target on time.

The UK Government has set an ambition to welcome 50 million international visitors annually by 2030, reinforcing tourism as a central pillar of the UK’s global competitiveness. Delivery of this ambition will be underpinned by a forthcoming Visitor Economy Growth Strategy, developed in partnership with industry to drive sustainable, long term growth across both domestic and inbound tourism. International marketing activity led by VisitBritain is also driving demand across markets and converting global interest into visits, with campaigns already generating significant additional visitor spend. The Government has also announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. These powers give Mayors control of new local revenue raising powers to drive growth in their regions, making them better places for their residents and businesses, as well as for people to visit and enjoy. The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design a visitor levy. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

When she plans to respond to Question 126358 from the Hon. Member for Windsor.

A response to this question was issued on April 20th, 2026.

When she plans to respond to Question 126384 from the Hon. Member for Windsor.

The answers to PQs UIN126382, UIN 126383 & UIN 126384 have been answered on 16 April 2026. This was within the Parliamentary deadline.