Dear Brother/Sister
The Executive Council met on 8 and 9 March to hear reports from discussions with our members on the latest position in relation to pensions and to receive reports of the latest developments in talks with Government. The meeting was scheduled so as to ensure that Executive Council members would be able to consider all aspects of the issue, including a likely decision on contribution increases for the year from April 2012. We had been informed that this decision was likely to be made by Government on or before 8 March. While this decision directly affects only members of the Firefighter schemes in England we are also aware that the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are following closely what decisions are made in relation to the schemes in England.
We were subsequently informed by CLG officials that no decision had yet been made on the issue of contributions and that the matter was still being considered. The Executive Council agreed that it would be necessary to assess and discuss all aspects of this issue and therefore agreed to adjourn until full information is available. We have held further discussions with CLG officials but at this stage we are still unable to confirm when this information will be available.
In the meantime we have continued to discuss further the details of the proposed review of Normal Pension Age and the review of opt outs and related issues. As soon as further detail on these is available they will be circulated for your information and consideration. The Executive Council has agreed to reconvene as soon as this full picture is available.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
2012HOC0175MW
Circular ref
2012HOC0175MW
