Issue - meetings

 Vicky Jenks, Pensions Admin Delivery Lead presented this report which provided an update on key developments affecting Fire pensions administration and the performance of the Pensions Administration Service, including breaches, Internal Disputes, McCloud/Sargeant and immediate detriment cases, progress with regard to i-Connect, the Annual Benefits Statement project, the Pension Schemes Bill/ Pension Schemes Act 2021, and outsourcing of the Firefighter Pensions Administration.

In response to a question about a proposal to signpost members to the LGA member website for information regarding immediate detriment cases, Vicky Jenks advised that the Scheme’s website would be updated to strip back the information provided and simply signpost to the LGA website so that there was no duplication of information and members were able to access the most up-to-date information. She also confirmed that Heywoods - pensions software provider - had not indicated that the upcoming outsourcing exercise would change their delivery model.

The Board asked further questions regarding immediate detriment cases and Vicky Jenks explained the approach that was being taken to the guidance to work out the difference between the two sets of contributions which might result in a refund or a contribution to pay. Regarding taxation, there had been a suggestion that scheme members would not be penalised but this had not yet been enshrined in legislation so some care was required in the advice being given and the potential to recalculate the differences.  Scheme Members were required to pay gross tax contributions and contact HMRC to claim back any tax relief which was the method used for retained firefighters. An open dialogue was being kept for those subject to immediate detriment  on retirement, they were getting a pack detailing both sets of benefits.  It was acknowledged that there had been good feedback on the way immediate detriment cases were being dealt with and, despite the Board noting that there were more new and unusual queries being raised, Vicky Jenks confirmed that she was comfortable that there was capacity to continue to manage the situation and Neil Buxton, Technical Specialist - Pension Fund Policy and Governance, confirmed this was an issue identified on the risk register.

The Board noted the report.