Local Government Pension Scheme (PO-19152)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mr S’ complaint and no further action is required by PP.

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

Complaint summary

Mr S’ complaint is that PP:-

• failed to tell him about the “pension freedoms” legislation introduced in April 2015 and how it could affect his options when drawing his LGPS benefits;
• failed to inform him that, if he wanted to transfer his preserved LGPS benefits to an alternative pension scheme, he would have to apply to do so no later than 12 months after his Normal Retirement Date (NRD); and
• issued a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) quotation in April 2016 which strongly implied that he could transfer his preserved LGPS benefits to an alternative, defined contribution, pension scheme at that point.