Local Government Pension Scheme (PO-17634)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

Mr I’s complaint is upheld and to put matters right the Council shall consider backdating Mr I’s ill health retirement pension (IHRP) to May 2011.

The Council shall also pay Mr I £1,000 for the serious distress and inconvenience caused by its actions when dealing with his IHRP application.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mr I’s complaint against the Council is twofold: –

• The delay between 2011 and 2016 in the Council dealing with his ill health pension application from deferred status, due to the request for Mr I to pay for the cost of a specialist report.
• His pension that he was awarded in 2016, was only backdated to 2015 and not 2011, which was when he had originally requested it.