The Firefighter’s Pension Scheme, (FPS), was available to all wholetime uniformed employees. Although not paying into the scheme, Retained personnel are covered by the injury provisions. Control staff are covered by a separate Local Government Superannuation Scheme.

Before 13 September 2004 the definition of "regular firefighter" and therefore access to the FPS was based on the inclusion, in your terms of appointment, of a requirement to engage in firefighting. If you were subsequently found to be permanently disabled for firefighting it was expected that you would be dismissed from the service even if, at that time, "firefighting" was a limited part of your duties and/or you remained perfectly fit to undertake all other duties of your rank/role. With effect from 13 September 2004 the definition was amended.

A requirement to engage in firefighting is still necessary for admission to the FPS but, once admitted, should health problems cause you to be unfit for firefighting yet still capable of performing other duties appropriate to your role as a firefighter you will not be dismissed on health grounds if the fire and rescue authority are of the view that your retention would be of value to the service and they require you to continue to perform those other duties. The definition of "regular firefighter" would enable you to remain in the FPS provided there was no break in continuity of appointment.

The Brigade should give you a booklet outlining the scheme that you pay into. If you are not in receipt of a copy ask the Personnel Department for one in writing. Other general information about pensions can be obtained by contacting the Personnel Department. Your Brigade Officials can also give you personal information about the scheme. The FPS is not invested in a General Fund as some other private schemes are. Current contributions are used to pay the pensions of existing retired firefighters. In the 1960’s and 1970’s the scheme collected more in contributions than it paid out in benefits. This extra income was not invested as the scheme did not allow for this to happen. The surplus was used to fund county council revenue budgets including education, social services and transport. Now in the late 1990’s and 2000’s the scheme is paying out more than it is collecting and is going deeply into the red. This is the main reason that our pensions are under constant attack by the Government and employers. The FBU has always vigorously opposed any attacks on pensions and is clear that the responsibility for any funding crisis lies with those who spent the funds in the first place. FBU members must not be made to suffer due to irresponsible politicians.
Local Government Pension Scheme

Emergency Fire Control Staff are covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This is a statutory, funded pension scheme. As such it is a secure pension scheme as its benefits are defined and guaranteed in law.

Members should be aware that like the Firefighter’s Pension Scheme, the LGPS’ benefits for next of kin do not cover common law partners but do cover dependent children. Further information covering all areas of the LGPS is available from the Personnel Department of your Brigade.

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