Local Government Pension Scheme (PO-18812)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I partly uphold Mr G’s complaint and I direct Merton to pay an award of £500 to Mr G for significant distress and inconvenience.

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

Complaint summary

Mr G has said that he is entitled to a refund of contributions from the Scheme, but Merton and PSS dispute this. Mr G is also unhappy that the Respondents do not hold records relating to his pension benefits, and that there were delays in dealing with his complaint.

Relationship between Merton and PSS

Merton has explained:

“Pensions administration is undertaken for Merton Council by the Pensions Shared Service with Wandsworth Council leading this for the London Boroughs of Camden, Merton, Richmond, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth. Merton Council has delegated to Wandsworth under Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 and all other enabling powers the administration of the Merton Pension Fund within the Local Government Pension Scheme.

London Borough of Merton, as administering authority is responsible for administering the Pension Fund.”