Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Chief Financial Officer, which provides an update on the development of key items associated with pension decisions relating to the new Combined Fire Authority. 

The Authority considered a report from the Chief Financial Officer, which provided an update on the development of key items associated with pension decisions relating to the new Combined Fire Authority.

It was proposed that Local Government Pension Scheme members employed by the HIWFRA have the option of topping up their pension by paying into Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) and this process was explained. It was also recommended that all Temporary Promotions within the 1992 or 2006 Fire Pension Schemes for members employer by HIWFRA are treated as pensionable and awarded an Additional Pensionable Benefit in respect of the additional pay received. Financially, this would have a £64 impact on the HIWFRA.

The McCloud judgement was highlighted in paragraphs 20-22 of the report and the 6 page guidance note on Immediate Detriment, allowing FRAs to offer remedy to members that are due to retire.

Members thanked the Chief Financial Officer and his team for their work.

RESOLVED:

1. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) noted the content of the report;

2. The HIWFRA approved the introduction of the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC arrangement as set out in paragraphs 3-6;

3. The HIWFRA approved the LGPS Discretions policy as set out in paragraphs 7-10 and APPENDIX A;

4. The HIWFRA approved the Fire Pension Scheme Discretions policy as set out in paragraphs 7-10 and APPENDIX B;

5. The HIWFRA approved the decision to make Temporary Promotions pensionable as set out in paragraphs 11-18;

6. The HIWFRA approved the Risk Register as set out in paragraph 19 and APPENDIX C;

7. The HIWFRA approved the decision not to apply Immediate Detriment automatically to all Fire Pension Scheme cases in respect of McCloud as set out in paragraphs 20-25;

8. The HIWFRA agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer to apply Immediate Detriment on a case by case basis if appropriate.