Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (CAS-73827-Z5V4)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mr B’s complaint, and no further action is required by GCHQ. 

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

Complaint summary

Mr B has complained that GCHQ failed to transfer him to the correct scheme following 2015 Government changes. His Normal Retirement Age (NRA) was deferred by one year, from age 65 to 66. As a result, he was provided incorrect information about his NRA, which he relied on to make his decision to retire at age 65. Consequently, he has suffered financial loss as he was unable to access his pension, without reduction, for an additional year. 

He has said that GCHQ’s offer of £500 does not adequately compensate him for his loss or provide sufficient redress for the distress and inconvenience he has suffered. As compensation he is seeking the one-year difference between the two schemes NRA’s amounting to £3,982.