Agenda item

To receive an update on the development of key issues and to review the Risk Register.

The Board received a report which provided an update on ongoing issues (Item 9 in the Minute Book).  The report was introduced and key issues were highlighted to Members of the Board.

Members attention was drawn to the section of the report which explained TPR Scheme returns, and the table in paragraph 6 highlighted the data quality scoring for year ending 31 March 2019 and 31 March 2020 which showed an improvement across all areas from 2019 to 2020.  Officers highlighted that if the Board were content, then they would look further into why the common data score and conditional data score for the 2006 fire pension scheme were lower than other schemes.  The Board were content with this action. 

It was heard that in relation to the Risk Register, a risk had been added to the Register specifically around the McCloud remedy work, and having the resources and capacity to implement the ensuing work.  This risk has also been added, in agreement with the Board, to the Organisational Risk Register of the Authority.  Also related to McCloud, it was noted that a response to the Government consultation had been submitted, and a response from Government to the Consultation was expected soon. 

Paragraphs 12 – 18 of the report explained the current position with Immediate Detriment, and it was heard that so far there were no cases to be dealt with.  The Board’s views on future communication on the Immediate Detriment position were sought.  A discussion ensued and it was felt that because of the complexities around the issue and the limited amount of people this may affect, that there may not be any gains from issuing wider communications on this.  It was noted that members of the pension scheme who were due to retire, were sent individual communication and invited to contact pension services if they had any queries around this issue.  Following discussions, Members of the Board were content not to put out wider communications on Immediate Detriment.

In relation to the McCloud remedy project, it was heard that a piece of work was being undertaken to assess which actions can be undertaken prior to April 2022 and which can be done afterwards, and a project plan to examine resources required has also been undertaken.  Paragraph 23 of the report also showed the projected costings for this work, and a query was raised about whether Government would be able to assist with the costs.  Officers explained that representations could be made to Government to highlight the administrative costs of this work, and Councillor Price highlighted that he would also raise this issue at the Scheme Advisory Board.

Paragraphs 27 – 28 detailed the slight increase in numbers of those registered for the member portal, and officers were hopeful that these numbers will continue to gradually rise, and it was heard that Board Members have also been working to encourage registration.  In response to a query, it was confirmed that for future reports, the breakdown of registration by age groups would be detailed.

The situation in relation to fire pension scheme temporary promotions and the formation of the new Combined Fire Authority (CFA) was explained, as set out in paragraphs 11 – 18 of the report.  It was heard that most temporary promotions were due to end before the CFA takes effect, but those members affected would be written to in order to inform them of the change.  Officers would look into potential issues around the 25 members from IOW that are currently on a temporary promotion and are in either the 1992 or 2006 Fire Pension Schemes. 

Members of the Board were thanked for completing the recent training needs analysis, and it was highlighted that the topics of annual allowances and lifetime allowances would be covered in an informal training session after the next meeting of the Board.

RESOLVED:

i)          That the contents of the report is noted by the Firefighters’ Pension Board.

ii)         That the Risk Register as set out in paragraphs 4 – 6 and Appendix A is approved by the Firefighters’ Pension Board.