The Pensions Ombudsman—when should he be used and what are his powers?
Produced in partnership with David Gallagher of Fieldfisher and Oliver Hilton of Radcliffe Chambers
Practice notesThe Pensions Ombudsman—when should he be used and what are his powers?
Produced in partnership with David Gallagher of Fieldfisher and Oliver Hilton of Radcliffe Chambers
Practice notesFORTHCOMING DEVELOPMENT: The Pension Schemes Bill, which was published on 5 June 2025 and is expected to receive Royal Assent in 2026, includes (among other things) provisions giving the Pensions Ombudsman powers equivalent to those of a competent court in cases involving the recovery of pension overpayments. This removes the need for trustees to apply to the County Court in such cases, thereby reducing legal costs, administrative burdens and ensuring a more efficient recovery process for schemes and their members. For further information, see LNB News 05/06/2025 42 and Pension Schemes Bill—tracker — Pensions Ombudsman and overpayments.
This Practice Note looks at the jurisdiction of the Pensions Ombudsman to deal with occupational and Personal pension-related complaints and Disputes under its adjudication service, including:
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who can make or refer complaints/disputes
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the types of complaints/disputes that can and cannot be determined
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the powers he may exercise in doing so, and
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applicable time limits
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