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Local Government Pension Scheme (PO-10901)

Complainant: Mrs D
Complaint Topic: Administration
Ref: PO-10901
Outcome: Not upheld
Respondent: 1. West Yorkshire Pension Fund
2, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Type: Pension complaint or dispute
Date:

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mrs D’s complaint and no further action is required by WYPF or City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

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

Complaint summary

Mrs D has complained that when she joined the Scheme, administered by the WYPF, on two separate occasions, the guides provided to her did not provide information on the fund’s investments.

Mrs D has said that investing in certain company shares is against her religious and ethical beliefs and because of this she would not have joined the Scheme. Mrs D said the complaint is not about her religious beliefs; it is about receiving the information necessary to have made an informed choice.

In 2014 Mrs D found out that the fund invested in shares and asked to stop her membership. Mrs D asked for a refund of her contributions, this was declined by WYPF, they have said the Rules of the Scheme do not allow for a refund of contributions where the length of qualifying service is less than two years. Mrs D is currently a deferred member of the Scheme.

Mrs D wants the contributions refunded, without interest, as she believes that she has been contributing to businesses that undertake activities against her religious beliefs.

Mrs D has also questioned if the “death grant” available under the Scheme is permissible under her religious beliefs.

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