The Occupational Pension Schemes (Internal Dispute Resolution Procedures) Regulations 1996

Notice of decision from trustees or managers

7.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the trustees or managers of a scheme shall issue to the complainant and, where applicable, his representative a notice in writing of their decision on the matters raised under regulation 6 within two months from the date on which the particulars specified in regulation 6(2) were received by them.

(2) The notice shall include—

(a) a statement of the decision and an explanation as to whether and, if so, to what extent that decision either confirms or replaces the decision made under section 50(2)(a) of the Act;

(b) a reference to any legislation relied upon;

(c) a reference to such parts of any scheme rules relied upon and, where a discretion has been exercised, a reference to such parts of the scheme rules by which such discretion is conferred;

(d) a statement that OPAS (The Pensions Advisory Service)(1) is available to assist members and beneficiaries of the scheme in connection with difficulties which they have failed to resolve with the trustees or managers of the scheme and the address at which it may be contacted; and

(e) a statement that the Pensions Ombudsman appointed under section 145(2) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 may investigate and determine any complaint or dispute of fact or law in relation to a scheme made or referred in accordance with that Act and the address at which he may be contacted.

(3) If, in any case, written notice of a decision under section 50(2)(b) of the Act is not issued within two months from the date on which particulars of the disagreement were received under regulation 6, an interim reply must immediately be sent to the complainant and, where applicable, his representative setting out the reasons for the delay and an expected date for issuing the decision.

(1)

OPAS Limited is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 1985 (c. 6): registered number 2459671.