PPF Ombudsman
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) Ombudsman serves two functions. He deals with complaints against both the PPF and the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS).
Complaints against the PPF
If you are unhappy with a decision made by the Board of the PPF, you should raise it with them first. If, having had your complaint addressed, you remain unhappy, you should consider applying to the PPF Ombudsman.
The PPF Ombudsman will consider applications from:
- scheme members;
- scheme trustees or mangers;
- employers;
- insolvency practitioners;
- scheme actuaries;
- anyone who thinks they have suffered an injustice because of the PPF's maladministration; and
- representatives of any of these.
He will consider complaints that relate to:
- a decision about a reviewable matter (a list of reviewable matters is available here); and
- a decision about a complaint of maladministration causing injustice.
An application must be submitted to the PPF Ombudsman within 28 days of the date the Board of PPF issues its decision. This time limit may be extended by the PPF under exceptional circumstances.
If the application is successful, the PPF Ombudsman can direct the Board of the PPF to change or replace a previous decision. If appropriate, he can also direct the Board of the PPF to pay compensation to the applicant.
Complaints against the FAS
If you are unhappy with a decision made by FAS, you should raise it with them first. If, having had your complaint addressed, you remain unhappy, you should consider applying to the PPF Ombudsman.
The PPF Ombudsman will consider applications from:
- scheme members;
- scheme trustees or mangers;
- scheme beneficiaries; and
- representatives of any of these.
He will consider complaints that relate to:
- a scheme notification decision (whether or not scheme details have been issued to the FAS within the required timescale); and
- a scheme eligibility decision (i.e. whether or not a scheme is a qualifying pension scheme).
An application must be submitted to the PPF Ombudsman within two months of the date the FAS issues its decision.
If the application is successful, the PPF Ombudsman can direct the FAS to change or replace a previous decision.
The PPF Ombudsman can be contacted at:
The Office of the Pensions Protection Fund Ombudsman
11 Belgrave Road
London
SW1V 1RB
