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getting organisations to disclose information of benefit to you

A friend of mine is getting the 'run around' from an ex-employer and an insurance company, and he just doesn't know what to do.

He's sure a pension plan was taken out with Scottish Widows on his and other employees' behalf by a company that later made him redundant and afterwards was 'absorbed' in some way (meger, takeover, he's not quite sure) into another company. A few years ago, Scottish Widows was taken over by the Bank Of Scotland, with possible windfalls for policy-holders. This fact (plus the fact that he might be owed a small pension) makes him want to find out about this possible policy, but no-one will help him.

The present company is stonewalling him, not telling him whether they have a policy or not, but more surprisingly, Scottish Widows won't tell him anything because they say they 'don't disclose information to third parties'! Well, I'd have thought that if you stand to benefit from a policy taken out for you, that doesn't make you a third party, but I wouldn't know about the legalities.

My friend's thinking of writing to the financial Ombudsman, but my instincts tell me this is not the place to go to yet.

Can anyone advise on the best course of action?

Thanks in advance.

Reply to
ellen hayes
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I'm no expert, but you could try using the Data Protection Act, - under that any organisation that holds infomation that can identify you personally is oblidged to provide you with a copy of all that infomation on request. Although they are allowed to make a small charge to cover the costs of administration.

Reply to
Mat Hillman

Referred to as a subject data access request - £10 max.

Daytona

Reply to
Daytona

If it was an occupational scheme, the insurer's contract is with the scheme trustees and the trustees are in turn responsible to the members. As far as the insurer is concerned, the scheme members *are* third parties as they can only deal with the trustees. Any request for information from a member should go to the trustees - the insurer shouldn't provide information directly to the member.

The OPRA Pensions Registry should be able to trace the trustees - see the link already provided by Daytona.

The other suggestion of a 'subject data access request' under the DPA may get some information - specifically whether SW do actually hold records for your friend, but it may not get the information needed.... I would suggest trying OPRA first.

Gareth

Reply to
Gareth Kitchener

In message , ellen hayes writes

That will be news to Lloyds TSB. They think they bought it!

No, this sounds like it is an 'occupational' scheme which is owned by the trustees, not the beneficiaries. He will need to write to 'the trustees the Defunct Company Ltd Pension Scheme'.

The office of the pension regulator may be able to offer an address, google for it, or write to the trustees via a known address of the acquiring company asking for details of any preserved benefits. Dont use the word 'policy' as it is likely not be a 'policy' as such. Just as about 'any pension benefits, preserved or otherwise'

SW have no obligation to disclose and, obviously, BoS wont know anything either!

Reply to
john boyle

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