TPO
DWP proposes hiked general levy over three years; DB costs to more than double
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a consultation on the future of the general levy, seeking to close a potential £230m funding gap if rates remain unchanged.
TPO: Just 5% of investigations need an ombudsman decision
Almost all (95%) investigations presented to The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) were completed without needing a determination, following changes to simplify the complaints process.
Ombudsman warns Work and Pensions Committee over Covid-19 scams 'inundation'
Pensions Ombudsman Anthony Arter has raised concerns about the increase in pension scam activity during the coronavirus pandemic in a virtual meeting with the Work and Pensions Committee (WPC).
'Dishonest' Norton Motorcycles ex-owner told to return £14m to pension funds
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has ordered a former owner of Norton Motorcycles to pay back £14m of pension fund monies that he had invested in the struggling sponsor.
Government withdraws 10% general levy increase
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has cancelled a planned rise to the general levy amid the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
How to respond to pensions activism
Members are increasingly seeking external adjudication on schemes’ approach to ESG issues. Stephen Richards outlines the steps trustees can take to prepare for this activism.
Ombudsman rejects complaints against British Steel trustees
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has rejected a number of complaints from members of the embattled and collapsed British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS).
DWP proposes levy hike as funded bodies see 'continuing change and growth'
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed increasing the general levy on occupational and personal pension schemes from 1 April 2020.
Ombudsman appoints Caroline Rookes as interim chair
Caroline Rookes has been appointed interim chairwoman of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO), as the organisation seeks to boost its governance.
Ombudsman to appoint COO and NEDs after government review
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) must make significant changes to its leadership structure in order to provide "additional insight… and more challenge on organisational strategy", a governmental evaluation has concluded.
DWP to legislate for additional ombudsman powers to facilitate early resolution
The government is looking to bring forward legislation to give The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) additional powers, including an early resolution function, "in due course".
Anthony Arter: Quicker dispute resolutions are in everyone's interests
The Pensions Ombudsman is in the middle of an ongoing programme of change, speeding up dispute processes and seeking informal resolutions. James Phillips asks what to expect next.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week's top stories included exclusive coverage of The Pensions Regulator's plans to require schemes to use professional trustees.
High Court reverts Ombudsman decision over Coats' increases
Coats' pension scheme members are not entitled to annual increases of 5%, the High Court has ruled in a rare instance of a court overturning a decision of The Pensions Ombudsman.
DWP consults on broadening TPO powers
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is considering whether to broaden The Pensions Ombudsman's (TPO's) jurisdiction and give the body additional powers for dispute resolution.
Anthony Arter reappointed as ombudsman until 2021
Anthony Arter will continue as head of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) until 31 July 2021, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced.
Ombudsman finds Royal London misread own death benefit discretion rules
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has determined against Royal London in a case where death benefits were paid out to a member's ex-girlfriend.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week's top stories included a landmark ruling by The Pensions Ombudsman that a local policy authority scheme should pay benefits in full to a scam victim after it failed to provide adequate anti-scam literature to the member.
TPO finds Northumbria Police Authority guilty of maladministration; Gives 'new hope' to scam victims
A ruling by The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) could mean past victims get redress if it finds trustees failed to alert members to pension transfer risks or did not perform mandatory checks.
Ombudsman investigations surge 26%; Transfer complaints rise
The number of investigations by The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) have increased by over a quarter driven partly by a sharp rise in the number of transfer complaints received during the past financial year.
High Court rules no limitation period on recovering pension overpayments
The High Court has ruled that there is no statutory limitation period in which to recover pension overpayments under a defined benefit (DB) scheme, as long as this is by adjusting future payments.
Insolvency Service puts six pension firms into provisional liquidation
The Insolvency Service has placed six firms overseeing 15 occupational pension schemes into provisional liquidation after an investigation.
Pensions Ombudsman gets new headquarters
As of next month, The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) will be moving to new government offices in the heart of London's Canary Wharf.
