Ombudsman intervenes in SSAS battle between brother trustees

The Pensions Ombudsman has ruled in favour of one of a pair of brothers in a dispute over a small self-administered scheme (SSAM).

Richard and Terence Whyte owned equal shares in Whyte's Print Finishers and were the only members of its associated SSAS. They acted as its trustees along with Rowanmoor. The retirement age from the scheme was 65 with provision for early retirement from 50 with the consent of the company and trustees. In 2006 in preparation for the A-Day rules Rowanmoor wrote to Richard Whyte's financial adviser to tell them the scheme rules would have to be changed to comply with A-Day regulations, particularly to allow the payment of 25% pension commencement lump sums. Richard Whyte agreed to the...