Things you should be told

MEMBERS of company pension schemes have legal rights to a range of information that will help them to keep tabs on their fund and its investments. Many do not know what information they are entitled to.

Annual reports must be provided when they ask for them, along with the audited accounts. Statements about benefits and transfer values must also be supplied on request. People who are retiring must automatically be given a statement about the benefits they are to receive.

Trust deeds must be supplied, on request, to members, and new members must be given a booklet about the scheme within 13 weeks of joining.

The Alexander Consulting Group, a firm of actuaries, spells out members' entitlements to information in a Disclosure Checklist, which is available for pounds 1 from the firm at 145 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5NX.