CIRCULAR 2010HOC0157MW 9th March 2010
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister,
Fairer Commutation Campaign – Grievance to Pension Ombudsman Update
You will be aware of the ongoing Fairer Commutation Campaign and the model grievance applications to the Pension Ombudsman that were supplied to Retired and Out Of Trade members via the FBU website and Head Office circulars.
As a result of this campaign there have been a number of discussions with the Pension Ombudsman regarding these grievances. During this dialogue it has been suggested that a system based upon selected test cases may be the more efficient way of dealing with the grievances and that this process should be discussed in more detail.
The Ombudsman is considering this process and has agreed that any such test case process would cover all affected members, regardless of whether a grievance has been submitted. On the basis of this it has been agreed to temporarily remove the downloadable model forms and request that affected members refrain from submitting their grievance at this time.
These discussions have also clarified that the grievances are currently against the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and that the Ombudsman is also aware that the FBU position remains that the Internal Disputes Resolution process has been exhausted.
Members visiting the pension section of the FBU website will now see that the forms have been temporarily removed to allow the office of the Pension Ombudsman time to consider their next steps in the matter. You can be assured that the FBU will be receiving some correspondence on this issue over the next few weeks.
In the meantime members are asked not to submit applications at this time. Members should continue to monitor the FBU website for any further updates.
Yours fraternally,
MATT WRACK
General Secretary
SS/EMH
