Hartley Pensions  

Strong response to our story on Hartley campaign group

Strong response to our story on Hartley campaign group
Hartley Pensions Sipp clients are coming together through FTAdviser to take action.

More than 20 clients and five financial advisers have contacted FTAdviser in response to our story on Hartley Pensions.

The story, published on Thursday June 16, spoke of one client, known to FTAdviser, who said he was "at the end of his tether" and wanted to speak with other people who have had problems getting their pension money out of Hartley. 

Protracted delays, inability to access their pension money, an inability to transfer their money and administration charges have been hitting the headlines in FTAdviser over recent months (see box out).

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Readers were invited to write to us if they wished to be put in touch with the client, Mr S, and to join a campaign group.

The response has been significant. 

Emails received in the past day have included comments such as: "I am an IFA and we have had a number of issues with Hartley Pensions since it went into administration.

"We have numerous clients who are now seriously concerned about how to access / transfer their funds. We have one client who could potentially lose everything - their house and business."

Another email said: "I am an IFA who looks after a few clients with Hartley Sipps. I am interested to share information with them on this action group."

Another correspondent wrote: "Just read your illuminating article. My small, self-administered scheme is with Hartley and I want my money out. Can you put me in touch with anyone that can help?"

FTAdviser has sought permission from the parties involved and Mr S has been in contact with some clients already. 

In an update, UHY Hacker Young told FTAdviser: "The reconciliation process is still ongoing but we are hopeful to have this concluded within the next few months. 

"We are also in the process of finalising an application to court to have ratified an exit and administration charge to clients in order to facilitate the transfer out of the clients Sipps to a new provider."

It is hoped the court hearing will take place by the end of September.

The administrator added: "Clients can continue with their monthly drawdowns, however we are reviewing extraordinary requests for additional drawdowns case by case."

If you or your clients would like to hear from Mr S and help get the campaign group up and running, contact us in the comments section, or email simoney.kyriakou@ft.com