Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Rejected
Ensure adequate independent redress mechanism for AEAT pension scheme members' complaints
Recommendation
We support the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee that the Government should “ensure that members’ complaints about the AEAT pension case can be independently reviewed, for example by a relevant ombudsman.” We agree with the Pensions Minister that it is important for a sense of justice and fairness that people should have an adequate means of redress. The Government should report back to us by the summer recess on how it intends to ensure an adequate means of redress for AEAT pension scheme members. (Paragraph 165) Defined benefit pension schemes 59
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that the AEAT case has been extensively investigated over the last ten years by various bodies, and there are no plans to offer specific redress to AEAT members.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government is aware of the issues raised by former members of the AEAT pension scheme. We recognise that these individuals are in a difficult position, and we are sympathetic that many are receiving less than they expected from their pension. However, there have been various investigations over the last ten years, and complaints on this matter have been considered previously by relevant government bodies. As well as a determination on the case brought to the Pensions Ombudsman (TPO), there have been two Parliamentary Adjournment Debates, one in 2015 and another in 2016. The issue has also received detailed consideration by the relevant government departments. In March 2023, Tom Josephs, the then DWP Director of Private Pensions and Arm’s Length Bodies, gave evidence on this case alongside other colleagues at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry. Whilst it is noted that the WPSC supported the PAC’s recommendations. It will be for the response to the PAC to consider whether routes of appeal against Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman or TPO decisions are clearly articulated for the general public. The AEAT case is extremely complex and spans the responsibility of several departments. As stated in the Government response to the PAC report, this matter has been extensively investigated. There are no plans to offer specific redress to AEAT members. 26