The Pensions Regulator is prosecuting a businessman for failing to give them information about the companies he owns and runs.

The regulator is investigating allegations that Vincent Bootes, 56, has not paid staff that work for his companies their workplace pension contributions. The companies are registered at an address in Station Road, Liphook, Hampshire, or at an address in Anyards Road, Cobham, Surrey.

TPR is prosecuting Bootes for failing to comply with two notices issued under Section 72 of the Pensions Act 2004. The notices, which required Bootes to give TPR information about his companies, were issued to him on 1 June 2018 and 12 September 2018.

He has been summonsed to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 13 November 2019 to face two charges of neglecting or refusing to provide information and documents, without a reasonable excuse, when required to do so under section 72 of the Pensions Act 2004, contrary to section 77(1) of that Act.

TPR has the power under section 72 of the Pensions Act 2004 to require pension schemes, employers and third parties to provide it with information and documents relevant to its functions. Failure to provide such information without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence which can result in an unlimited fine.

Additionally, those involved can suffer serious reputational damage from being convicted of non-compliance with the law. Businesses could also face further action from their professional body.

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