§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the arrangements for providing information about changes in Civil Service pensions to the pensioners concerned; what representations he has received on this matter; and what plans he has to change these procedures. [42278]
§ Dr. David ClarkInformation provided to Civil Service pensioners is compliant with the requirements of The Occupational Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 1996. I am aware that a number of pensioners were regrettably notified late of their increased rate of pension payable from April following the annual uprating exercise. Difficulties encountered by a contractor to Paymaster (1836) Ltd, the paying agent, resulted in a failure to ensure timely notification in all cases. Payment of the pension at the revised rate was, however, made to all pensioners on the due date.