(1)The Secretary of State may appoint one or more persons to act as a deputy to the Pensions Ombudsman (“a Deputy Pensions Ombudsman”).
(2)Any such appointment is to be upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State thinks fit.
(3)A Deputy Pensions Ombudsman—
(a)is to hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms and conditions of his appointment, and
(b)may resign or be removed from office in accordance with those terms and conditions.
(4)A Deputy Pensions Ombudsman may perform the functions of the Pensions Ombudsman—
(a)during any vacancy in that office,
(b)at any time when the Pensions Ombudsman is for any reason unable to discharge his functions, or
(c)at any other time, with the consent of the Secretary of State.
(5)References to the Pensions Ombudsman in relation to the performance of his functions are accordingly to be construed as including references to a Deputy Pensions Ombudsman in relation to the performance of those functions.
(6)The Secretary of State may—
(a)pay to or in respect of a Deputy Pensions Ombudsman such amounts—
(i)by way of remuneration, compensation for loss of office, pension, allowances and gratuities, or
(ii)by way of provision for any such benefits,
as the Secretary of State may determine, and
(b)reimburse the Pensions Ombudsman in respect of any expenses incurred by a Deputy Pensions Ombudsman in the performance of any of the Pensions Ombudsman’s functions.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 145A inserted (17.12.2004) by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 274(3), 322(1) (with s. 313); S.I. 2004/3350, art. 2, Sch.