CH-2024-000162 - [2025] EWHC 2237 (Ch)

This judgment concerns a decision of the Pensions Ombudsman (Ombudsman) dated 12 June 2024 (Decision) by which he upheld a complaint by Mrs Isabella Alexis (Mrs Alexis) that she was entitled to be paid a ‘bridging pension’ (or, as I shall call it, a ‘supplement’) from the Spirit (Legacy) Pension Scheme (Scheme) until the age of 66.

The Scheme trustee (Trustee) maintains that, under the relevant provision of the applicable 2001 Scheme rules (2001 Rules), Mrs Alexis was only entitled to the supplement until 65.

With the permission of Richards J granted on 14 November 2024, the Trustee has appealed the Decision.

At the appeal hearing, the Trustee was represented by Mr James Walmsley of counsel. Mrs Alexis appeared in person, remotely by video link.