Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Personal and Occupational Pension Schemes (Pensions Ombudsman) (Procedure) Rules 1995 (“the principal Rules”) which make provision as to the procedure to be followed where a complaint or dispute relating to an occupational or personal pension scheme is referred to the Pensions Ombudsman under Part X of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (“the Act”).

Rule 1 provides for the citation, commencement and interpretation of the Rules.

Rules 2(1) and 2(2) make amendments to certain definitions used in the principal Rules to reflect amendments to the Act made by the Pensions Act 1995.

Rule 2(3) inserts a new rule 15A into the principal Rules which makes provision for the Pensions Ombudsman to pay travel and subsistence expenses and compensation for lost earnings in certain cases to those who attend oral hearings in connection with an investigation by the Pensions Ombudsman of a complaint or dispute.

An assessment of the compliance cost to business of the measures arising from the Pensions Act 1995, including these Rules, has been prepared and a copy has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained by post from the Department of Social Security, 11th floor, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.