Brian Thomson's prompt e-mail reply was rather unexpected, given that he has refrained from replying in the previous 6 months to my e-mails. And now he claims he didn't know anything about the unpaid pension instalments despite having received my e-mails regarding this matter. So, all that has happened is that a liar has apologized for his inactivity in dealing with my problems. And only this because I sent off a letter of complaint yesterday, and e-mailed him I'd done so. My letter, not by EMS, just air mail, costing 7.80 RMB. It'll get there ok, probably 7-10 days later.
So, as I told him, the sevices SPPA and Citibank offer as a combination suck. Now I'll be waiting for this 3 months' pension instalments non-payment problem to be resolved. It should be within 3 weeks according to SPPA. If not, my next step will be the 'ombudsman'.
I reckon the mandatory system set up by SPPA and Citibank contravenes human rights. I know from experience there are other pension providers who operate more pensioner-friendly systems and they operate efficiently, unlike SPPA - Citibank. I'm toying with the idea of writing to the ombudsman re said mandatory system. I don't think SPPA is justified in trying to force pensioners abroad to accept pension payments in local currencies. After all, the pensioners they look after were paid in GBP when they were working in Scotland. They should be given the choice, imo.
Anyway, I will post again when I've received my pension arrears!