United Utilities Pension Scheme (CAS-44123-K4V8)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mr Y’s complaint and no further action is required by the Employer, the Trustee, WTW and Aegon.  

Complaint summary

Mr Y was employed by the Employer until March 2017, when he took voluntary redundancy (VR). He was also a member of the Scheme. He has complained that: 

• The Employer told him to pay part of his redundancy money into the Scheme, in the form of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) but did not make him aware of the impact this would have on his Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA). 

• WTW did not provide him with sufficient documentation that would have made him aware about the MPAA. 

• None of the Respondents made him aware that he would need to take his main Scheme benefits at the same time as the AVC benefits.