FOI-03890

##Request 

<p><i>‘I request recorded information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, relating solely to the processing of opt-out buy-back elections in the NHS Pension Scheme: the reinstatement of opted-out service following receipt of a member's buy-back payment. It does not concern the wider McCloud recalculation. I request only recorded information already held, not an explanation, opinion or decision.</i></p>

<p><i>1. The total number of members who have submitted a buy-back payment to reinstate opted-out service, and the number completed (service reinstated and record updated) to date. If held, break this down by month of completion.</i></p>

<p><i>2. The number of buy-back cases where payment has been received but processing is not complete (the backlog), as at the most recent date held.</i></p>

<p><i>3. The recorded average and median elapsed time, in working days, between receipt of a buy-back payment and completion of the reinstatement.</i></p>

<p><i>4. Any recorded definition of the order in which cases are processed, specifically which date governs priority (date payment received, date of election, date of retirement or other).</i></p>

<p><i>5. Any internal guidance, standard operating procedure, process map or work instruction governing the order and timescale for processing buy-back cases after receipt of payment.</i></p>

<p><i>6. Any recorded target completion dates, service-level agreements, project plans or board/management papers projecting timescales for clearing the outstanding cases.’</i></p>

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 9 June 2026.  

We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). 

##Our response 

I can confirm that the NHSBSA holds some of the information you have requested. 

__Question 1 - The total number of members who have submitted a buy-back payment to reinstate opted-out service, and the number completed (service reinstated and record updated) to date. If held, break this down by month of completion__

A copy of the data is attached. We have received 359 payment application forms, of which we have completed 336. 

__Question 2 - The number of buy-back cases where payment has been received but processing is not complete (the backlog), as at the most recent date held__

As of 16 June 2026, we have 23 cases where payment has been received with the oldest date received being the 9 June 2026. Of these cases, 5 are waiting internal process and 13 are waiting for information from the member. 

__Question 3 - The recorded average and median elapsed time, in working days, between receipt of a buy-back payment and completion of the reinstatement__

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. 

We update members records on receipt of members completed application form, not on payment received. 

__Question 4 - Any recorded definition of the order in which cases are processed, specifically which date governs priority (date payment received, date of election, date of retirement or other)__

Cases are worked in received date order. 

__Question 5 - Any internal guidance, standard operating procedure, process map or work instruction governing the order and timescale for processing buy-back cases after receipt of payment__

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. 

Cases are worked in received date order and there is no backlog. 

__Question 6 - Any recorded target completion dates, service-level agreements, project plans or board/management papers projecting timescales for clearing the outstanding cases__

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. 

There are no outstanding cases to clear other than cases awaiting further information which are pending. 

__Data Queries__

Please contact <a href=mailto:foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk>foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk</a> ensuring you quote the above reference if you have any specific questions regarding this response; or, if you feel you may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting the information; or, if you plan on publishing the data. 

__Reusing the data and copyright__

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact <a href=mailto:communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk>communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk</a>. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented. 

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at: 

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/  

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2026”. Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence. 

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.

Tags: NHS Pensions, buy-back payment, opt-out buy-back elections
Organization: Freedom of Information Disclosure Log