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Written question asked by Sarah Green (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Torsten Bell (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Pensions Ombudsman: Standards

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what data his Department holds on average waiting times for (a) cases to be assigned and (b) decisions by the Pensions Ombudsman.

Answer

The Department does not centrally publish formal averages for case allocation or final decisions by the Pensions Ombudsman (TPO). However, TPO’s latest performance updates indicate that waiting times remain significant due to sustained demand. Recent data shows cases can wait around 15 months to be allocated at assessment stage and up to 18 months for adjudication in more complex cases.

For all closures delivered in 2025/26 the average length of time from case creation to closure was 8 months.

The Department is working closely with TPO, including providing additional funding and supporting its Operating Model Review programme, to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3627
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Pensions Ombudsman Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk