PART 6DETERMINATION OF QUESTIONS AND DISPUTES

First instance decisions51

1

Any question concerning the rights or liabilities under the Scheme of any person other than an employing authority must be decided in the first instance by the person specified in this regulation.

2

In relation to any employment in which a person is a member or prospective member, the appropriate administering authority must decide–

a

any question concerning the person’s previous service or employment;

b

any question about counting additional periods as membership or crediting additional pension.

3

Such a decision must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable after the person becomes a member in the employment.

4

Where a person is or may become entitled to a benefit payable out of a pension fund, the administering authority maintaining that fund must decide its amount.

5

That decision must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable after the event by virtue of which the entitlement arises or may arise.

6

Any question whether a person is entitled to a benefit under the Scheme must be decided by the employing authority who last employed the person.

7

That decision must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable after the earlier of–

a

the date the employment ends; or

b

the date specified in the notification mentioned in regulation 11(4) (ending of membership).

8

In paragraphs (4) and (6) “benefit” includes a return of contributions.

9

Any question concerning what rate of contribution a member is liable to pay to the appropriate fund must be decided by the member’s employing authority.

10

Other questions in relation to any member or prospective member must be decided by the member’s employer as soon as is reasonably practicable after the member or prospective member becomes a member or a material change affects his or her employment.