Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
3
Recommendation
Fifty-Seventh Report - AEA Technology P…
Deferred
The AEAT case shows that there are gaps in the routes of appeal available for people raising complaints about their pensions. It is a fundamental right that 6 AEA Technology Pension Case people have appropriate and accessible routes of appeal. Ombudsman services provide a way for people to seek independent …
Government response. The government deflects the recommendation, stating that the request for the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee to consider time limits is a matter for that Committee. It does not address the recommendation to review ombudsman arrangements.
HM Treasury
13
Conclusion
Fifty-Seventh Report - AEA Technology P…
Deferred
It is a fundamental right that people should have appropriate and accessible routes of appeal. Actions by government bodies are in principle subject to judicial review through the courts, but this is an expensive process.25 Ombudsman services provide a way for people to seek independent review of their complaints without …
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation and will conduct an independent review of The Pensions Ombudsman in Autumn 2024, noting the department can request consideration of other relevant areas during this review.
HM Treasury
14
Conclusion
Fifty-Seventh Report - AEA Technology P…
Deferred
In the case of the AEAT pension scheme, relevant ombudsman services said they were unable to properly investigate key aspects of scheme members complaints.27 Some aspects of the case could be reviewed. For example, GAD described to us how complaints about work done by individual actuaries who are members of …
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation and will conduct an independent review of The Pensions Ombudsman in Autumn 2024, noting the department can request consideration of other relevant areas during this review.
HM Treasury
15
Conclusion
Fifty-Seventh Report - AEA Technology P…
Deferred
PHSO described to us the gaps in its remit which prevent it from providing pension scheme members with a route to appeal in this case or in similar situations. PHSO explained that its jurisdiction only allows it to investigate GAD on a very specific point about insurance companies during a …
Government response. The government agrees with the observation, stating that The Pensions Ombudsman will undergo an independent review in 2024, during which the department can request consideration of additional areas, without committing to amend PHSO's legislation.
HM Treasury
16
Conclusion
Fifty-Seventh Report - AEA Technology P…
Deferred
The Pensions Ombudsman may also be a suitable body to investigate the administration and management of pension schemes, as it is the expert in government for investigating pensions complaints.32 However, it has no remit over the role of GAD in providing information to scheme members. The Pensions Ombudsman could in …
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation and will conduct an independent review of The Pensions Ombudsman in Autumn 2024, stating the department can request the reviewer considers other areas that would benefit from their consideration.
HM Treasury