Age discrimination remedy (Firefighters)
This page includes the latest information and links relating to the age discrimination remedy for members of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme.
On 4 February 2021 the Government response to the unfunded Public Service Pension Scheme consultation resulted in four key changes for Firefighters’ Pension schemes:
- To remove any future discrimination, all Firefighters’ scheme members (regardless of their protection status), were moved to the 2015 scheme from 1 April 2022.
- On 1 October 2023, active Firefighters’ Pension Scheme members had their ‘Remedy period’ membership (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022) moved back to their legacy scheme.
- All Firefighters’ scheme members will, if applicable, be able to choose which benefits they take when they retire (legacy or 2015 scheme). This is based on what’s known as the Deferred Choice Underpin (DCU).
- Members with 1992 scheme benefits, will be able to retire and receive their 1992 portion of benefits as per the original terms (for example, they will be able to retire at the age of 50 if they have at least 25 years’ services).
LPPA is in ongoing discussions with the Local Government Association (LGA) to help you understand the impact of this ruling and we will keep this page updated with the very latest information.
- 1 April 2022: any remaining members of Firefighters’ legacy pension schemes were moved to the 2015 Firefighters’ Pension Scheme.
- By 31 August 2023: all active and deferred scheme members will be given access to their annual benefit statement (via PensionPoint) – this will not reflect Remedy.
- From 1 October 2023: all active and deferred members (who were previously part of the Firefighters’ legacy pension scheme) will be switched back to the legacy scheme for the Remedy period.
- By 31 August 2024: where we are in receipt of the required data, active and deferred members will have access to an Annual Benefit Statement Remediable Service Statement (ABS-RSS) via PensionPoint – this will include illustrations to allow you to compare the benefits available to you in relation to your membership between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022 (known as the remedy period). For more information about your ABS-RSS click here
- By 31 March 2025: all affected members must have received a Remediable Service Statement (RSS), showing the benefits in both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme during the Remedy period.
- On retirement date (after October 2023): where applicable, members will receive a choice of legacy or reformed scheme benefits for the Remedy period as part of their retirement information.
What is a Remediable Service Statement (RSS)?
This document outlines your pension benefits and compares your current benefits with alternative ones for the remedy period. It will help you make an informed decision on whether to choose FPS 2015 benefits or legacy scheme benefits for the remedy period.
When will I receive my RSS?
As a retired member, if you are impacted by the age discrimination remedy (McCloud ruling), you are due to receive a Remediable Service Statement (RSS) by 31 March 2025.
We are working hard to meet this deadline and are doing everything within our control to make this happen. We are issuing statements on an ongoing basis, but it is a complex process, and we appreciate your patience as we work through it with your employer.
What do I have to do when I receive my RSS?
The Remediable Service Statement (RSS) includes a full explanation of what you need to do. When you receive your RSS, you should review it carefully before deciding which benefits you wish to take and return the enclosed claim form to LPPA.
When do I have to confirm my decision?
From receipt of your RSS, you have up to 12 months to inform LPPA of your choice (by completing and returning the claim form that will be included with your RSS document).
What happens if I don’t make a choice?
Everybody’s situation is different, so it is strongly recommended that you do make a choice. If you don’t, your scheme manager will decide for you based on the figures in your remediable service statement (RSS).
If you are unsure what to do, it’s worth speaking to an independent financial adviser. A list of financial advisers can be found at www.unbiased.co.uk
Will I need to pay any arrears in pension contributions?
If you’re already receiving benefits from the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme and decide to change them, you might need to pay any outstanding contributions before receiving your new benefits.
Your RSS document will provide all the information you need to make an informed choice, including the costs associated with each pension scheme.
There is a lot to consider, for example, you might opt to switch to a scheme with a higher contribution rate that offers more income in retirement. As every situation is unique, it’s a good idea to consult an independent financial adviser before making any decisions.
When can I expect to receive my remedy pension and lump sum arrears?
Once you have returned your claim form (after receiving your RSS), LPPA will process your payments as quickly as possible and keep you updated as to when you will receive your final payments.
Please note: we will continue to provide regular updates on this page.
Other useful information on our website
For more information about your ABS-RSS, visit our dedicated ABS page
For more information about your RPSS (annual allowance) visit our dedicated page
Other useful information on the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme website
For the most up-to-date information, including FAQs and videos, please visit the dedicated remedy page of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme website.
Please note
LPPA is currently only able to provide retirement estimates for members who are looking to retire within the next 6 months, with remedy benefits. Members who are not eligible for remedy can continue to request retirement estimates. Both of these should be requested using the usual channels.
To help us prioritise retirement requests effectively, we are also asking members to provide a minimum of three months’ notice of their intention to retire.
When providing additional pension membership/financial information for members affected by Remedy, it’s important that administrators use the Remedy data collection template issued by the Local Government Association.
