Local Government Pension Scheme (PO-18280)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

Mrs D’s complaint is upheld and to put matters right the Council shall:

• ask Dr Hadland to clarify his opinion on the extent he considered treatments would improve Mrs D’s condition with reasons;
• then review its decision not to award ill health early retirement benefits to Mrs D;
• inform Mrs D of its fresh decision with reasons; and
• pay Mrs D £500 for the significant non-financial injustice which she has suffered.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mrs D complains that the Council, her former employer, has wrongly declined her application for payment of her pension on the grounds of ill health early retirement (IHER) from the LGPS.