Dear Brother / Sister
Yesterday, the Executive Council received a report of the status of discussions with ministers. Having considered the report, the Executive Council agreed that the discussions should continue, and that the matters would be considered again when the Executive Council reconvenes on 29 January 2014. This short circular is provided to members in order to provide an update.
A scheduled meeting between the FBU and the fire minister (England) Brandon Lewis took place on 22 January 2014. The meeting had been planned on the basis of being a mid-point health-check on the discussions between pension officials and their advisers from both sides on important and key technical pension scheme issues.
At the meeting it was confirmed that :-
- Both sides were pleased that the technical discussions were progressing, without either side feeling that any blocks to the dialogue had arisen.
- Further meetings to continue the work were planned.
- The meeting between the General Secretary with the FBU leads and the Minister with the DCLG leads scheduled for 28 January would go ahead to receive a report on the outcomes of the work.
At this time there is nothing of a substantial nature to report to members in respect of the discussions. Talks are on-going and a further report will be provided following the respective meetings with Brandon Lewis and the Executive Council at the end of the month.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Andy Dark
Assistant General Secretary
2014HOC0065AD
