Pensions Ombudsman Update

The Pensions Ombudsman continues to hand down a number of important decisions.

These are relevant for trustees and sponsoring employers of pension schemes and their professional advisers.

Our top takeaways from our latest Pensions Ombudsman Update include:

• When may a scheme be obliged to accept a top-up? And what duty of care does a scheme owe?

• A reminder to make full enough enquiries about potential death grant beneficiaries, and to take legal advice

• TPO will look at the specifics of complaints when making his awards: will your member’s circumstances prove an aggravating factor?

• Is your chosen approach to requiring members to take risk warnings on withdrawals reasonable?

Plus – be aware of some recent news and publications from the Ombudsman.

This publication is intended for general guidance and represents our understanding of the relevant law and practice as at June 2023. Specific advice should be sought for specific cases. For more information see our  terms & conditions.