Delays in processing pensions affecting retired UK firefighters

The Fire Brigades Union has urged the UK government to intervene after delays in issuing pension statements have left some retired firefighters receiving less than they are entitled to.

According to the Fire Brigades Union, the delivery of Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) is falling behind schedule.

These documents are essential for processing changes linked to a 2018 court ruling which found that pension reforms introduced in 2015 were discriminatory.

The union said the delay means thousands of retired firefighters are being underpaid by several hundred pounds a month.

Legal background to pension changes and the McCloud ruling

In 2015, the government implemented changes to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme, replacing it with a less generous version.

This was challenged by the Fire Brigades Union and led to a landmark Court of Appeal ruling in 2018.

The court found that the transitional arrangements were discriminatory based on age.

As a result, approximately 10,500 firefighters are eligible to transfer up to seven years of pension contributions into their original scheme.

The Fire Brigades Union stated that the process for making this change depends on the provision of a Remediable Service Statement, which outlines how the decision would affect each individual’s pension.

This statement is a prerequisite before any changes can be made.

Missed RSS deadline raises concern among retirees

The regulatory deadline for issuing the RSSs was 31 March 2025.

However, some firefighters have been informed that their scheme managers will not meet this deadline due to the complexity of some cases.

In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright wrote: “Members who have already retired […] are likely currently in receipt of a pension that is far lower than the amount they are entitled to.”

Wright added: “It is disgraceful that some fire authorities are still failing to give retired firefighters what they are legally entitled to.”

Union calls for government to ensure compliance with legal obligations

The union said the government must ensure fire authorities comply with their legal obligations following the court judgment.

Mark Rowe, national officer at the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Fire authorities have a duty to act quickly, but have failed to do so. The government must now intervene.”

The union’s letter called for urgent clarification on when affected members will receive their RSSs and what actions are being taken to enforce the deadline.

The union also reminded the government that while limited extensions can be granted in individual cases, no general delay is permitted under the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022.

Firefighter pension delays: Fire Brigades Union calls for government intervention: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has called on the UK government to intervene following delays in delivering Remediable Service Statements to retired firefighters.

These documents are required for pension adjustments related to a 2018 court ruling that found earlier pension reforms were discriminatory.

The deadline for delivery of these statements was 31 March 2025.

Some firefighters have been informed that this deadline will not be met.

The union said this delay means retirees are receiving reduced pension payments.

General secretary Steve Wright and national officer Mark Rowe said fire authorities have failed in their obligations.

They urged the government to ensure that fire authorities issue the required documentation within the legal timeframe.

The union’s letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner asked for a clear timetable and stressed the impact on members already experiencing financial loss.

The Fire Brigades Union represents around 10,500 affected firefighters eligible to adjust their pension contributions.