Section 218 — Pensions Act 2004: Obstruction etc of the PPF Ombudsman

Obstruction etc of the PPF Ombudsman 218 1 This section applies if any person—

a without lawful excuse obstructs the PPF Ombudsman in the performance of his functions, or b is guilty of any act or omission in relation to an investigation by the PPF Ombudsman under regulations made under section 213 or 214, which, if that investigation were a proceeding in the court, would constitute contempt of court.

2 The PPF Ombudsman may certify the offence to the court.

3 Where an offence is certified under subsection (2), the court may—

a inquire into the matter, b hear any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence and any statement that may be offered in defence, and c deal with him in any manner in which the court could deal with him if he had committed the like offence in relation to the court.

4 This section is to be construed, in its application to Scotland, as if contempt of court were categorised as an offence in Scots law.

5 In this section “ the court ” means—

a in England and Wales, the county court ;

b in Scotland, the sheriff.