On 23 July 2013, the Government department DCLG, published the consultation paper, 'Retained Firefighters’ Pension Settlement' – a consultation to provide access to a modified pension scheme.

The consultation paper set out the proposed terms, that have been negotiated to provide retained firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue Authorities in England between 1 July 2000 and 5 April 2006 inclusive with access to a pension scheme. The consultation set out the proposals which are intended to provide these retained firefighters with comparable pension rights to those enjoyed by regular firefighters employed during the same period.

DCLG has now provided a summary of responses to the consultation.

Eligible Retained firefighters will be able to access the new Modified Pension Scheme from 01 April 2014.

Once the enabling legislation comes into force, FRAs will implement an options exercise to provide those of their current and former employees affected with an opportunity to join the new pension arrangements. DCLG is currently working with FRAs to support them through this process.

Further information will be distributed to our members in the coming weeks.

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