The fifth Annual Report of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra) was published yesterday.

In 2000/2001, Opra received more than 43,000 enquiries; opened 10,000 new cases; and brought over 12,000 cases to a satisfactory conclusion, including some carried across from previous years.

In April 2000, Opra’s two largest categories of case became civil offences – late payment of pension contributions by employers and late production of audited accounts or an auditor’s statement. As a result of this important change the Opra Board was able to deal with a total of 459 cases during the year compared with 35 cases in 1999/2000.

Over £30 million of pension scheme assets were released as a result of Opra’s appointment of pension scheme trustees.

Copies of the Annual Report are available free from the Opra Helpdesk on telephone number 01273 627600.

The report can also be accessed through the Opra website at:
http://www.opra.gov.uk/publications/reports