Part 2The Board of the Pension Protection Fund
Chapter 6Reviews, appeals and maladministration
References to the PPF Ombudsman
218Obstruction 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.