PensionsTuesday 10 November 2026
The High Court has given judgment in the case of R (Farrell) v Pensions Ombudsman [2026] EWHC 2812 (Admin), dismissing a claim for judicial review against the Pensions Ombudsman. The case was about the extent of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction to determine complaints in relation to an “occupational pension scheme” as defined in the Pension Schemes Act 1993.
The High Court held that the firefighters’ injury compensation scheme in question did not qualify as an “occupational pension scheme” for the purposes of giving the Pensions Ombudsman jurisdiction. The case considered not only the rules of the scheme but also the approach to identifying an “occupational pension scheme” set out in the Court of Appeal’s judgment in Clark v Chief Constable of Derbyshire [2024] ICR 1147.
Edward Sawyer appeared as junior counsel for the Ombudsman.
People to view:
News
We are delighted to announce that Wilberforce has been shortlisted in four categories at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2026. Chancery Set of the Year Company/Insolvency Set of the Year Real Estate Set of the Year Real Estate Junior of... Read more
Wednesday 12 August 2026
View more
Articles
Daniel Jukes examines a recent case applying a six-year limitation period to Beckmann claims, and why its reasoning may be open to challenge. The article was first posted on Paul Newman KC‘s website pensionsbarrister.com Read the full article
By Daniel Jukes
Thursday 23 April 2026
Recent Cases
Pensions
Stephen Brown | Jonathan Chew
Thursday 19 March 2026
Articles
Allison Wu considers two recent determinations of the Deputy Pensions Ombudsman which apply common law principles in pensions contexts. The article was first posted on Paul Newman KC‘s website pensionsbarrister.com Read the full article
By Allison Wu
Thursday 19 March 2026