55.—(1) A decision on the matters raised by an application under regulation 54 (right to apply for an appointed person to review a decision) must be issued by the appropriate appointed person—
(a)to the applicant; and
(b)to the Committee,
by notice in writing before the expiry of the period of 2 months beginning with the date the application was received.
(2) But, if no such notice is issued before the expiry of that period, an interim reply must immediately be sent to the persons mentioned in paragraph (1) setting out the reasons for the delay and an expected date for issuing the decision.
(3) A notice under paragraph (1) must include—
(a)a statement of the decision;
(b)reference to any legislation or provisions of the Scheme relied upon;
(c)in the case where the disagreement relates to the exercise of a discretion, a reference to the provisions of the Scheme conferring the discretion;
(d)a reference to the rights of the applicant to refer the disagreement for reconsideration by the Committee under regulation 56 (reference of disagreement to the Committee), specifying the time within which he may do so; and
(e)a statement that the Pensions Advisory Service(1) is available to assist members and beneficiaries of the Scheme in connection with any difficulty with the Scheme which remains unresolved and the address at which it may be contacted.
The Pensions Advisory Service Ltd, company limited by guarantee, No. 2459671; Registered in England and Wales; Registered office is 11 Belgrave Road, London SW1V 1RB.