Dominic Chappell handed £10m bill by watchdog over BHS pension deficit

Former bankrupt, who was in charge of retailer when it collapsed into administration in 2016 is understood to have around two weeks to decide whether to contest order

The self-described entrepreneur had claimed he did 'everything and more' to help (PA)

Former-BHS owner Dominic Chappell has been handed a bill of around £10m by The Pensions Regulator (TPR) in relation to the deficit in the bankrupt retailer’s retirement scheme.

It is understood Mr Chappell, who was in charge of BHS when it collapsed into administration in 2016, has around two weeks to decide whether to contest the fine.

If he does not refer the decision to TPR's upper tribunal for judgment, the watchdog will pursue the £10m demand.

A TPR spokesperson said: “Our anti-avoidance action against Dominic Chappell continues and TPR’s determinations panel has made its determination.

“We will publish the outcome as soon as it is appropriate to do so.”

Earlier this month, Mr Chappell was found guilty of failing to provide information about the state of a pension fund after the high street retailer collapsed.

The self-described entrepreneur had claimed he did “everything and more” to help The Pensions Regulator but was convicted of three charges under the Pensions Act 2004 after a four-day trial.

During the course of the proceedings at Brighton Magistrates' Court, the 51-year-old, who confirmed ahead of the verdict that he would appeal any conviction, was described by his defence lawyer as a “scapegoat” in the wake of the chain folding.

But he was found to have had no reasonable excuse for not providing the information requested by TPR, with the prosecution suggesting he had been “making up the defence as he goes along”.

Mr Chappell had been requested to provide information to TPR under the Pensions Act on two occasions in April and May 2016 and a third time in February 2017.

Mr Chappell has been under the spotlight since BHS went into administration in April 2016, leaving a £571m pension black hole.

Sir Philip Green, who sold the retailer to Mr Chappell for just £1 around a year before its demise, has agreed to pay £363m towards funding the deficit.