Agenda item

To receive a report providing an update on the development of key items.

Members of the Board received a report from the Chief Finance Officer (Item 11 in the Minute Book ) regarding ongoing issues.

The report was introduced and Officers led Board Members through the report highlighting the development of key issues.  The position in relation to opt outs was highlighted as set out in paragraphs 3-5 of the report.  It was noted that following both a postal and email survey, the response rate of 20% did make it difficult to draw conclusions, but the main reason for not contributing was due to personal reasons.

In relation to The Pension Regulator (TPR) Annual Scheme Returns, it was heard that the deadline for submission of conditional data was 6 November 2018.  The requirements of the TPR were set out, and it was noted that the TPR had adopted a firm approach to assess the current position of scheme data.

The position in relation to Injury Pensions and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits was explained, and it was heard that it was a retired individual’s responsibility to inform Hampshire Pension Services of relevant additional benefits if receiving an injury pension award.  It was proposed that a letter be sent to those members reminding them of their responsibility to inform of changes, as set out in appendix C to the report.  The Board were supportive of the letter but felt it could be firmer.  It was explained that any subsequent letters because of non-response would adopt a firmer stance.  Officers would examine whether individual benefits would be amalgamated into Universal Credit.

In relation to communications and web pages, it was heard that the introduction of ‘hot topics’ had helped with an increase in the number of hits to the employer pension web pages, and reports produced showed that communications were reaching some as there were peaks at those times.  The number of hits also compared favourably to the Police and HCC employer pension web pages.  Members of the Board wished to record their thanks to officers for their work in creating and developing the web pages.  The Chairman also extended his thanks to the Employer Pension Manager for her recent pension presentations to various Fire Station watches, which had received positive feedback.  The Board also discussed whether there would be merit in including a link on the web pages to a video of a pre-retirement presentation and officers would look into the possibility of this.  Attention was also drawn to appendix D of the report which set out a proposed draft of a survey which is proposed to be issued to all active members to obtain feedback about the information available on the web pages.  It was noted that the survey would be issued by email and would also be shared with the Fire Brigades Union.  The Board were content with the survey.

RESOLVED:

i)       That the HFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board endorse the injury pension and DWP benefits assessment letter as set out in paragraphs 11-15 and Appendix C of the report.

ii)     That the HFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board endorse the employer pension web pages survey as set out in paragraphs 24-27 and Appendix D of the report.