Pensions appeal mechanism

Conference notes with concern the decision of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on 7th March 2016, stating that a member of the FBU was not entitled to appeal the outcome of a review of pension benefits if the appeal is to move to higher tier from lower tier ill health pension. Conference is also concerned that the scheme rules do not appear to allow any subsequent appeals to move from a lower tier to a higher tier irrespective of the fact that the condition of a member may worsen. This means that an individual who is receiving a lower tier ill health pension later becomes unfit for regular work has no opportunity to receive a higher tier ill health pension.

Conference instructs the Executive Council to look at this in more detail and if necessary seeks to establish the relevant appeal mechanism including a change to the pension rules for the benefit of our members, if that is deemed the most appropriate avenue.