Local Government Pension Scheme (PO-12752)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

Ms S’ complaint is upheld and to put matters right LBWF should ask Capita, or the new administrators of the Scheme, to recalculate, and then backdate Ms S’ pension, taking into account her higher salary from 2008 before she was redeployed into a lower grade.

In addition, LBWF should provide Ms S with an explanation as to why the original quotation for her original lump sum was much higher than the actual amount.

LBWF should also pay Ms S £1,000 in recognition of the confusion, distress and inconvenience caused by its lack of response to the complaint, which has significantly increased the time taken to reach a conclusion.

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

Complaint summary

Ms S is complaining that LBWF has incorrectly calculated her retirement benefits under the Scheme, and failed to provide her with an explanation as to why the original quotation for her lump sum was much higher than the actual amount.