First of all, we would like to thank members for their patience. As we said in an earlier communication to members it would feel there were periods of inactivity as we work with all parties to agree the contents of the lead case to be heard by the Ombudsman. We therefore fully appreciate how frustrating this is, but it is essential we take time to ensure that the case lodged with the Ombudsman is accurate, comprehensive and powerful.
An important part of this has been agreeing on a lead case approach. Although there are in the region of 800 individual, cases the PDA Union has taken the lead in persuading all parties to accept this approach and in putting together the details of that lead case. This will ensure the Ombudsman will be able to make the legally binding decision we know members are keen to receive, as quickly as possible and much quicker than the current 2-3 years it can take.
We are now in the final stages of preparing and submitting the case, which will cover all issues impacting our members. This obviously includes whether the ability to take an unreduced pension at 60 was discretionary or a right and other issues related to this.
The case will be submitted at the end of the month, and we then expect the Ombudsman to communicate acceptance of the case using their website. While we will do what we can to alert members to publications by the Ombudsman we would urge members to check the Pension Ombudsman website regularly as once the lead case is accepted, we will not be able to issue our own updates as the case progresses and until the outcome is known.
Kind regards,
Paul Moloney
PDA National Officer
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