Age discrimination remedy (Firefighters)

On 4 February 2021 the Government response to the unfunded Public Service Pension Scheme consultation resulted in four key changes for Firefighters’ Pension schemes: 

1. To remove any future discrimination, all Firefighters’ scheme members (regardless of their protection status), were moved to the 2015 scheme from 1 April 2022.  
2. 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.
3. 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). 
4. 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. 
• From 1 October 2023: all active and deferred members (who were previously part of the Firefighters’ legacy pension scheme) were switched back to the legacy scheme for the Remedy period.  
• By 31 August 2024: where we were in receipt of the required data, active and deferred members were given access to an Annual Benefit Statement Remediable Service Statement (ABS RSS) or a Deferred Benefit Statement Remediable Service Statements (DBS RSS) via PensionPoint. This included illustrations so that you could 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 or DBS RSS click here
• By 31 March 2025 we will have produced and issued 90% of ABS RSSs for active members and 75% of DBS RSSs for deferred members. For more information about your ABS RSS or DBS RSS click here
• If you have not yet received your ABS RSS or DBS RSS, you will receive a separate communication explaining the reasons why. This communication will also be available in your PensionPoint account.
• When you retire from the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme, you will receive a choice of legacy or reformed scheme benefits for the Remedy period as part of your retirement options. 

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. 

Where can I find a copy of my RSS?  

Once your Remediable Service Statement (RSS) is available, we will contact you to let you know. You will also be able to access it via your PensionPoint account: My documents > Scheme documents

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). 

Where can I get advice to help me choose the right option?

As the scheme administrator, LPPA isn’t regulated to provide financial advice, but it is important that you consider your options carefully and where appropriate, we encourage you to speak 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?  

We know how important it is to resolve your benefit adjustments quickly, but it will take longer than normal to pay your new benefits. Our priority is to make sure the final calculations are correct and that you receive your money as soon as possible.  

Our aim is to start processing requests from July 2025 and we will notify you when your benefit adjustments are ready to be paid. Additional interest will be included in the adjusted payments to cover any delays. In the meantime, your existing pension benefits will continue to be paid as normal.  

Why have I not received my RSS? 

LPPA is continuing to produce statements for a small number of members who have not yet received their RSS. This includes members who are impacted by outstanding or late national guidance (such as those with pension sharing orders), scheme pays cases, and cases where additional data checks are required.  

We will contact these members directly as soon as their RSS is available.

As well as producing outstanding RSSs and processing options forms, we are also processing Matthews remedy requests for retired firefighters. Members who are impacted by the Matthews remedy are likely to have experienced delays, as their Matthews remedy must be completed before we can start their McCloud remedy.   

Will my existing pension benefits continue to be paid? 

All existing pension benefits will continue to be paid as normal until any remedy adjustments are made. We will notify you when any changes have been made to your benefits and confirm the adjusted payments, including any interest that may be due.   

Please note: we will continue to provide regular updates on this page.

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.