As some are aware the resolution role of TPAS was moved to the PO some months ago. This seems to have resulted in some confusion and requires legal clarification. It also possibly meant that some pensioners having sought advice from TPAS found themselves being in contact with the newly created Early Resolution Service of the PO.The PO has issued a clarification of the roles and process and here is a link
https://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/2018/09/signposting-for-pension-dispute-resolution-just-became-clearer/In summary,
1 TPAS is for advice only
2 A complainant can ask the Early Resolution team at the PO to take on a dispute and if both parties agree reach a conclusion without the need for a complainant going through the Internal Dispute process of a pension scheme.
3 A complainant can only formally ask the PO to investigate a complaint and reach a determination after first going through a scheme's Internal Dispute process.
