The Firefighters' Pension Scheme Local Pension Board of Northumberland Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. The meeting's agenda included a review of the scheme's monitoring report, updates on pension dashboards, and consultations on firefighter compensation.

Monitoring Report

The board was scheduled to review a comprehensive monitoring report, which covered the period from 15 to 62 pages of the provided documents. This report likely detailed the performance and adherence to regulations of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme.

Retained Firefighters' Pension Settlement Second Options Exercise

A significant item on the agenda was the Retained Firefighters' Pension Settlement Second Options Exercise, also referred to as the Matthews exercise. This was scheduled to be discussed, with relevant documentation spanning pages 63 to 68 of the reports pack. This exercise likely pertains to providing retained firefighters with further options regarding their pension settlements.

Pension Dashboard Programme

The meeting was also set to address the Pension Dashboard Programme. Information regarding this initiative was contained within pages 69 to 70 and pages 71 to 76 of the reports pack. Pension dashboards are intended to provide individuals with a consolidated view of their various pension pots.

Amendments to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) Regulations – Member Contribution Structure

Discussions were planned regarding proposed amendments to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) Regulations, specifically concerning the member contribution structure. The relevant documentation for this item was located on pages 71 to 76 of the reports pack.

Local Government Association Informal Consultation – Firefighters' Compensation Scheme

The board was scheduled to consider an informal consultation from the Local Government Association concerning the Firefighters' Compensation Scheme. This consultation's details were provided across pages 77 to 112 of the reports pack.

Bluelight Fire Pension Bulletins

Updates were anticipated through Bluelight Fire Pension Bulletins, with associated documents found on pages 113 to 116 of the reports pack. These bulletins likely provide information relevant to fire service pension schemes.

Local Pension Board Risk Register

The Local Pension Board Risk Register was also on the agenda, with supporting information on pages 117 to 126 of the reports pack. This register would outline potential risks to the board's operations and the pension scheme.

West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) Reports

The board was due to receive updates from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF). This included monthly client reports, detailed on pages 127 to 190 of the reports pack, and a verbal update from the WYPF to Northumberland Council (NCC). The West Yorkshire Pension Fund manages pension assets for various local authorities, including Northumberland.

Future Meeting Dates

The board was also scheduled to confirm future meeting dates, with planned sessions on Tuesdays at 11:30 am in Conference Room 1 on 7 July 2026, 20 October 2026, 19 January 2027, and 27 April 2027.