Pensions Act 2004

218 Obstruction etc of the PPF Ombudsman

(1) This section applies if any person—

(a) without lawful excuse obstructs the PPF Ombudsman in the performance of his functions, or

(b) is guilty of any act or omission in relation to an investigation by the PPF Ombudsman under regulations made under section 213 or 214, which, if that investigation were a proceeding in the court, would constitute contempt of court.

(2) The PPF Ombudsman may certify the offence to the court.

(3) Where an offence is certified under subsection (2), the court may—

(a) inquire into the matter,

(b) hear any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence and any statement that may be offered in defence, and

(c) deal with him in any manner in which the court could deal with him if he had committed the like offence in relation to the court.

(4) This section is to be construed, in its application to Scotland, as if contempt of court were categorised as an offence in Scots law.

(5) In this section “the court” means—

(a) in England and Wales, a county court;

(b) in Scotland, the sheriff.