Pensions Regulator Tribunal
The Pensions Regulator Tribunal is an independent judicial body established under section 102 of the Pensions Act 2004. The tribunal hears references arising from certain determinations issued by the Pensions Regulator. The firm or the individual to whom the notice is directed has the right to refer the matter to the tribunal which will determine what is the appropriate action for the Pensions Regulator to take.
Such decisions may be either in a determination notice or a final notice. Disputed decisions could be the imposition of:
- a financial penalty;
- the suspension or prohibition of a trustee;
- the imposition of a contribution notice;
- an order winding up a scheme; or
- an order freezing a scheme.
The tribunal however, only has the functions conferred upon it by or under the Act. This means that a reference may only be made to the tribunal if the Act specifically provides that a person may refer the matter to the tribunal.
The leaflet below explains the procedures that take place before the tribunal.
Pensions Regulator Tribunal - a short guide for appellants 
(1.40Mb)
Copies may also be obtained from the Secretary to the Tribunal in London.
Appeals against decisions of the Pensions Regulator Tribunal lie directly, with the permission of the tribunal, to the Court of Appeal.
There are 8 legally qualified chairmen of the Pensions Regulator Tribunal (including Stephen Oliver QC, the President) and 17 lay members. Some of the chairmen also sit as Special Commissioners and as chairmen of the VAT and Duties Tribunals. All sit on the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal.
