Cincinnati Machine Pension Plan (CAS-83696-J1X7)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

The Board is not required to take any action because:- 

1. None of the events Mr E has cited show that MAG International or other entity within the wider MAG Group is responsible for funding the Plan. 

2. The Board’s Reconsideration Committee reached its decision correctly with regard to the sponsoring employer of the Plan. 

3. I have not seen any evidence that discredits the Board’s decision to approve the section 143 valuation of the Plan. 

4. I do not make any findings on Mr E’s complaint of maladministration in this decision, because there is no indication that the conditions for the referral of a complaint of maladministration have been met.  

Complaint summary

I have received a reference of a reviewable matter following a decision by the Board’s Reconsideration Committee dated 22 October 2021. The reviewable matter concerns the Board’s approval of the section 143 valuation of the Plan. Mr E says that the insolvent employer’s wider corporate group (the MAG Group) should fund the Plan, so that his pension is provided in full and outside of the Pension Protection Fund (the PPF). 

Mr E has also raised a complaint of maladministration concerning the Board’s handling of his complaint. He says that the Board: delayed in responding to correspondence; failed to supply him with information he requested; and operated an inadequate Secure Mail System.