Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed ban on cold calling in relation to pension scams for businesses who use lead generators or third party referrals to build client lists.

The Government is determined to protect people from being tricked out of their life savings by fraudsters. Currently, almost 11 million pensioners are being targeted annually by cold callers.

The proposed ban, which allows calls where an existing relationship exists or at the express request of the recipient, is intended to allow legitimate businesses to continue to operate. The Government sought evidence on potential impacts on firms as part of its consultation. The consultation closed on 13 February and the Government is reviewing responses.