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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) cases were referred to OPAS, (b) complaints about OPAS were referred to the Pensions Ombudsman, (c) other complaints were referred to the Pensions Ombudsman and (d) complaints were upheld by the Pensions Ombudsman in respect of (i) OPAS and (ii) others and (e) complaints were rejected by the Pensions Ombudsman in each of the last three years. [12104] Mr. McCartney: The available information is contained in the following table: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Year ended 31 March 1999 Year ended 31 March 2000 Year ended 31 March 2001 Inquiries and complaints received 30,984 32,174 36,322 by OPAS (7,176 written) (7,304 written) (8,415 written) Inquiries and complaints received 3,067 3,269 3,215 by the Pensions Ombudsman Inquiries and complaints rejected 2,395 2,594 2,409 by the Pensions Ombudsman as not suitable for investigation{1} Complaints upheld by the Pensions 59 49 39 Ombudsman to some extent{2} (percentage) _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Most rejections are because the case is not within jurisdiction (eg referred to a different ombudsman) or because the matter has not been fully explored with the body complained against, or because OPAS has not been given an opportunity to resolve the matter. The complainant receives a decision in almost all cases which are within jurisdiction and where the matter has been explored/OPAS consulted. {2} As a percentage of those investigated. Complaints about OPAS are not within the Pensions Ombudsman's jurisdiction and no specific records are kept of complaints made about OPAS and rejected, but if people are unhappy with the result of inquiries made by OPAS they can refer the matter to the Pensions Ombudsman.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

12104; 374 c576W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Complaints Workplace pensions Pensions Pensions Ombudsman Occupational Pensions Advisory Service

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk