Dear members,
Important Update on Firefighters’ Pensions – SCAPE Discount Rate Change
We are writing to update you on a significant development affecting the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (FPS).
HM Treasury has confirmed a change to the SCAPE discount rate, which is used to calculate the value of public service pensions. This change has triggered a full review of the actuarial factors used across the FPS.
These factors underpin a wide range of pension calculations, including commutation for FPS 1992, early retirement, transfers, pension debits and added pension. As a result, all these areas will be affected by the review.
The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) is expected to issue a timetable shortly for updated factors. We understand that commutation factors for members with FPS 1992 benefits are being prioritised and are expected imminently, with immediate effect once published.
Given the scale of the change and the uncertainty while new factors are awaited, we have advised that calculations relying on actuarial factors should be paused wherever possible. The exception is where delaying retirement would disadvantage a member. This is to prevent inaccurate calculations and avoid the need for later corrections.
At this stage, it is not yet possible to confirm how these changes will impact individual members. We will provide further updates and guidance as soon as more information becomes available.
This development once again highlights the ongoing instability and uncertainty in firefighters’ pensions. These are not abstract technical changes — they directly affect the retirement security of our members.
The Fire Brigades Union will continue to challenge the government to deliver fair, transparent and properly funded pension arrangements for firefighters. We will not accept changes that undermine the value of your pension or create uncertainty about your future.
We will keep members informed at every stage, and a further update will follow as soon as more detail is available.
Yours in solidarity,
Ben Selby
Assistant General Secretary
