Recently the Pensions Ombudsman in the case of Mr D and others (CAS 27382-Q6L3) dismissed a complaint brought by pre-2002 members of a DB pension scheme who were unhappy with the Trustee's decision to change their accrual rate for benefits under the scheme from 1/60th to 1/70th, in line with post-2002 members.

Although the Ombudsman empathised with the members’ frustration, he did not uphold the complaint.

Fundamentally, the Ombudsman said that it was not for him to decide whether the Trustee’s decision was the right one. The Trustee had a wide level of discretion and that the question the Ombudsman had to consider was whether the Trustee had reached its decision by following a reasonable decision-making process in line with the famous Edge principles (deriving from the case of Edge v Pensions Ombudsman [1999] EWCA Civ 2013), namely:

• Did the Trustee direct itself correctly in law?
• Did the Trustee take into account all relevant but no irrelevant factors?
• Did the Trustee ask itself the correct questions?
• Did the Trustee reach a decision which was not perverse?

The Ombudsman’s adjudicator was satisfied on all accounts. Firstly, the Trustee had directed itself properly in law both from a statutory perspective and from a scheme rules perspective by (i) ensuring that the 1/60th accrual rate would still apply to all applicant members’ benefits accrued before the change in line with s67 of the Pensions Act 1995 and (ii) seeking actuarial advice prior to exercising its power of amendment as required under the scheme’s rules.

Secondly, the Trustee had considered all relevant factors. The Trustee provided minutes of meetings and it was clear that it had discussed all suggestions and comments raised during consultation. The Trustee had not placed weight on any irrelevant factors. Indeed, the Trustee had made it clear that its decision was to address the inconsistency across the contributions being paid and benefits received by different members, and to ensure contributions were affordable.

Thirdly, the Ombudsman was satisfied that the Trustee asked the right questions. It had considered numerous options first and then sought feedback on the option which it considered most appropriate as part of a consultation.

Fourthly, the Ombudsman was satisfied that the Trustee did not reach a decision which was perverse; that is to say a decision which no reasonable decision maker would come to in the circumstances. The evidence indicated that the Trustee had considered advice and feedback.

Ultimately, the Ombudsman held that the decision-making process was within the Edge principles criteria.

This case shows the importance of following a proper decision-making process and the importance of trustees thoroughly documenting their process by keeping minutes of all relevant meetings and records of any valuations, consultations or communications to members. In one of its meetings, the Trustee had received training on the correct process for decision-making. Given that the Ombudsman’s decision ultimately hinged on an assessment of the Trustee’s decision-making process, all of this provided invaluable evidence in the Trustee’s favour.

On the one hand then, this case demonstrates the difficulty in over-turning a trustee’s decision, on the other, it is a clear reminder to trustees that they must have a robust decision-making process in place especially when it comes to the more complex discretionary decisions that affect members’ benefits.

As pensions lawyers, we are often asked to advise on such decisions. If you have questions on decision-making or any of the topics raised in this article, please do get in touch with your usual Burges Salmon contact.