BG Pension Scheme

This section provides information for members of the BG Pension Scheme (BGPS) established with effect from 4 July 2001.

Can I join the BGPS?

No, the Scheme closed to future accrual of benefits on 31 December 2013.

Where can I find further information?

You can view your own BGPS fund by using Howden’s online service for members, Clarity

. Alternatively, if you have a question about the benefits provided by the Scheme, or if you want specific information about your own personal circumstances, then you can contact the Scheme administrator:

BG Pension Scheme
Howden
Decimal Place
Chiltern Avenue
Amersham, Buckinghamshire
HP6 5FG

Tel (UK): 0800 004 2009 or 03331 111222

Email: BGPS@howden-group.co.uk

What if I have a complaint?

Most problems are straightforward and can easily be sorted out. If you have a complaint, you should in the first instance contact the Administration Team. They will try to resolve your problem in a timely manner.

If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may make a formal complaint to the Trustee under the Trustee’s Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) (PDF, 91 kB)

. If we are unable to resolve the complaint with you, then you can refer your complaint to The Pensions Ombudsman. The Pensions Ombudsman can be contacted at: Tel: 0800 917 4487 Email: Enquiries@pensions-ombudsman.org.uk Website: www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk

What if I have transferred my pension out of the BGPS?

The Trustee has undertaken an exercise to review and equalise the Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) element of pensions transferred out of the Scheme for former members who chose to transfer out and to ex-spouses of members who are in receipt of a Pension Sharing Order. If you are due a top-up and we hold your contact details, our Pension Scheme Administrators, Howden, wrote to you to arrange payment of the top-up.

The legal change about GMP only applies to GMP built up between 17 May 1990 and 5 April 1997. If your transfer payment did not include GMP built up during this period, you will not be affected and will not receive any communication. If your transfer payment included GMP built up during this period and you have not received a letter, it could be because you are not due a top-up or we were unable to locate you. Please note that most of these top-ups are modest. If you have not received a letter and believe that you should have, or are concerned, then please contact Howden (details above).

Pension Scams

If you are considering transferring your BGPS benefits, be aware of pension scams, take your time, do your research and never be pressured into making a hasty decision about your pension. Be ScamSmart, visit the FCA’s website for information on what to look out for: https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart