This report was presented by Liz Firmstone, Service Manager (Transformation). It updated the Board on key developments affecting the administration of the Fire Pension Scheme and the performance of the Pensions Administration Service (PAS). The following areas were highlighted:

·       An update on the change of service provider to transfer administration of the payroll functions to WYPF

·       On immediate detriment cases, the Home Office guidance had been withdrawn. An update was provided on the current position for Warwickshire and planned way forward

·       Consultation on regulation changes

·       McCloud/Sergeant project update

·       Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP)

·       Cost control mechanism

·       LGA bulletins

·       FRA remedy self-assessment survey

Further detail was provided in a number of appendices.

Barnaby Briggs commented on the position on immediate detriment. Endeavours were being made to liaise with fire service personnel whilst this was resolved. Context was provided on the number individuals affected as category 1 or category 2 cases. The Chair agreed that ongoing communication with those affected was important. Liz Firmstone offered to report back on whether there may be any further category 2 cases and the position of those cases identified to date in regard to a 62-day timeframe, linked to a memorandum. 

The Chair asked about the McCloud/Sergeant software changes. Warwickshire would be changing to a different software solution (Civica) as part of the move to WYPF and he asked about the data transfer aspects. There were ongoing discussions, and a detailed update could be sought. He clarified that the Board just needed to be assured this was in hand.

On the IDRP case the Chair asked what type of issue this related to. It concerned reemployment and abatement and was not related to immediate detriment. There were no known trends for IDRP cases. It would be helpful to bring an analysis of the FRA remedy self-assessment survey back to the next meeting. This could include comparative information from the collaboration group for the region and it would enable shared learning.

The Board noted the updates.