Pensions

04 January 2010:

Out of Trade / All Members Circular: FBU fairer commutation campaign – Next steps......more

11 September 2009:

All Members Circular: FBU fairer commutations campaign – Movement on retrospective application date.....more

7 September 2009:

Dear Brother/Sister,

FIREFIGHTERS PENSION SCHEME 1992 – COMMUTATION FACTORS

For your information, Communities and Local Government have today issued the attached circular regarding commutation.

This informs Fire & Rescue Authorities that the 1992 Firefighters Pension Scheme will have the commutation factors applied retrospectively from 22nd August 2006.

A Head Office circular explaining this further will be distributed very shortly.

Yours in Unity,

SEAN STARBUCK
National Officer  

In May 2008 key technical changes known as "commutation factors" were applied to the 1992 Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (FPS). The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) backdated the application of these changes to 1st October 2007.

The union believes these "commutation factors" should have been reviewed in 2001. Not doing it at that time means these changes could have significantly reduced the overall value of the pension of those who took retirement before 1st October 2007.

FBU members who retired after 2001 and before 1st October 2007 may feel that they wish to submit a grievance using these model letters. The union's Executive Council has decided to support a challenge to the 1st October 2007 implementation date via the Pension Ombudsman.

The Pension Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction to deal with complaints until the scheme’s internal dispute procedure has been exhausted. FBU members will, in the first instance, have to submit a grievance to the scheme, outlining their situation and the complaint that they are making.

To assist members who wish to take a formal grievance, model letters have been prepared for FPS scheme members in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland affected by these changes.

Please read the all members circular 2008HOC0678SS which gives details on where the completed grievances should be sent. It is very important that grievances are sent to all the addresses applicable to the individual.

To assist the families of FBU members who have died, but whose families may be affected, there is a standard letter which enables them to start a grievance. These model grievance letters are now available for downloading. To access the model letters, you will need to give a full name, brigade on date of retirement, rank or role, brigade number, address, date of birth, date of retirement, national insurance number on the following page

Brigade Secretaries Circular: Commutation factors used in the firefighters pension scheme (FPS)

Commutation rate enquiries

My office has received a number of emails, letters and telephone enquiries from members who feel aggrieved that they are not included in the amended commutation rates which have been backdated to 1^st October 2007.

Please be assured that the FBU are looking into the concerns raised and will take any necessary action when all aspects have been researched in full.

Members will be updated via circulars and the website.

Sean Starbuck
National Officer

Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 1992 – Commutation Factors

Please find attached Firefighters’ Pension Scheme circular 5/2008 and two further documents from the Government Actuaries Department (GAD) which advise on amendments to commutation factors applicable to the FPS. The figures are now gender neutral and will be applied retrospectively from 1^st October 2007, with outstanding rates payable where applicable.

There have been several emails and telephone calls to my office regarding these changes and some members have voiced their disappointment that they were not informed in advance by the FBU. I must stress that we were only made aware of this amendment last week during conference, without any prior notice of any intended changes, and were therefore unable to inform members immediately. I have raised this concern with CLG who have apologised for any frustration this may have created.  Over the next few days the commutation amendments will be explained in an All Members circular, a circular to All Out of Trade Members and on the FBU website.

FPSC 5/2008 (Issued 21 May 2008)
FIREFIGHTERS’ PENSION SCHEME 1992 – COMMUTATION FACTORS

GAD FPS commutation guidance 16 May 2008

GAD FPS NFPS trivial commutation guidance 19 May 2008

January 2007: Firefighter - Pensions Special Options Exercise 'Questions & Answers'

The guidance documents are being updated and will be added to the site in the near future.