The Surrey Local Firefighters' Pension Board met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, to discuss various updates regarding the Firefighters' Pension Scheme. Key topics included the progress of the action tracker, scheme management updates, and a review of the risk register. Decisions were made to close several items on the action tracker and to note the updated risk register.

Action Tracker Updates

The Board reviewed the Action and Recommendation Tracker, with several actions being closed. These included A120, A2020, and A124, which were deemed to be sufficiently covered within the scheme manager's report or had been resolved. A discussion also took place regarding action A1725, concerning XPS providing a response on the position of GMP, which was identified as a potential duplication of A2020 and was agreed to be combined. An update was provided on the Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) exercise, indicating that a proposal is being drafted and will be sent out for review within the next month. A more detailed update is expected at the next board meeting.

Scheme Management Update Report

Danni Lamaignere, the Scheme Manager, presented an update on various scheme management activities. The annual benefits statements (ABS) and remedial service statements (RSS) have largely been issued, with a small number outstanding due to data queries or incomplete information, which are expected to be captured in this year's reports. The transition to the Aurora administration platform has impacted the ability to produce ABS and RSS, with these now considered day two developments. A standalone calculator has been developed for RSS statements, and testing is underway.

Significant progress has been made on resolving historic pension contribution issues, with overpayments now rectified in the payroll system. There is one ongoing Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) claim, for which a response is awaited.

Consultation responses regarding the contribution structure have been received from the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government). The new structure, implemented from 1 April 2026, aims to align the Firefighters' Pension Scheme with other public sector schemes, such as the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This includes the addition of an extra tier to the contribution structure, based on actual pensionable pay. While this is expected to benefit lower-paid members, some at the higher end of the salary scales will see an increase in their contributions.

Amendments to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme for retained firefighters have been published, with a statutory instrument expected to formalise arrangements from 1 April 2026. The Board is awaiting the GAD (Government Actuary's Department) calculation, which is anticipated in June 2026, potentially delaying implementation.

Good progress is being made on the Matthews project, with statistics on take-up published. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has been informed by the LGA (Local Government Association) that they are performing well in this area.

The 10% pensionable allowance project is moving forward, with work recommencing on reassessing members' statements, taking into account the impact of the Matthews and McCloud remedies.

The governance review of payroll processes is ongoing, with close collaboration between the pensions team and the payroll team to ensure accurate payments.

An informal consultation by the LGA on the Firefighters' Compensation Scheme has concluded, with the team having fed into the process. Recommendations will be analysed by the LGA and presented to MHCLG.

Pension clinics and station visits continue to be well-received and beneficial for members, with plans to explore more station visits.

The Code of Practice compliance report is ongoing, with identified areas being addressed. The Pensions Dashboards project is on track for a public launch in October 2026. Communications regarding Affinity Connect, MyPension, and the new LGA member FPS website have been distributed.

Training and development sessions are being organised, including scheme manager training and pre-retirement courses, with a view to making the pre-retirement package more holistic.

Risk Register

The risk register has been updated to align with the service's risks. Several risks have been proposed for closure, including those related to Annual Benefit Statements (ABS) and McCloud, as these are now being managed or resolved. Other risks, such as those concerning team skills and resourcing, software limitations, and the 10% allowance, remain under review, with mitigating actions in place. The Board noted the updated risk register.

Fire Bulletins

The Board noted the most recent Fire Bulletins, which provide updates on various aspects of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public for Part Two of the agenda, which involved the disclosure of exempt information.