The Pensions Ombudsman

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis

What are the powers of the Pensions Ombudsman and when should he be used?

The Pensions Ombudsman is an independent statutory body that provides a free and impartial service for the investigation and determination of complaints of maladministration and disputes of fact or law concerning occupational and personal pension schemes. As such the Pensions Ombudsman determines disputes by exercising statutory adjudicative powers rather than by regulating pension schemes. Its determinations are binding unless successfully appealed.

The Pensions Ombudsman operates as a single organisation incorporating both the Pensions Ombudsman and the Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman functions. The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman determines complaints and reviewable matters relating to the Pension Protection Fund, and hears appeals concerning decisions made by it in its capacity as manager of the Financial Assistance Scheme.

The determinations of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman are final, legally binding and enforceable in court.

The Pensions Ombudsman also offers an informal resolution service (led by its Resolution Team) as well as an adjudication service. Most complaints are initially considered by the Resolution Team, which seeks to resolve disputes informally where appropriate before

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Pensions News

Pensions weekly highlights—2 July 2026

This week’s edition of Pensions weekly highlights includes a review of key news stories, as well as dates for your diary and trackers....

CJC publishes consultation update on use of AI in preparing court documents

The Civil Justice Council (CJC) working group has published an update on its consultation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the...

TPR annual report 2025–26 outlines Pension Schemes Act 2026 implementation and supervision reforms

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2025–26, highlighting a closer scrutiny of schemes (with early...

MHCLG publishes statutory guidance on LGPS fund governance, asset pooling and investment strategy

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published three statutory guidance documents supporting the Local Government...

View Pensions by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal fees, will that count as a PET against their estate?A disclaimer is the refusal of a gift prior to acceptance. The refusal of the gift must take place before the beneficiary accepts any benefit

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an
Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal

If a beneficiary signs a deed of disclaimer of their share of an estate and the estate pays their legal fees, will that count as a PET against their estate?A disclaimer is the refusal of a gift prior to acceptance. The refusal of the gift must take place before the beneficiary accepts any benefit

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an