Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
HIWFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 9th October 2025
10:00 AM
Thursday, 9th October 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 9th October 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 9th October 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
09 Oct 2025
09 Oct 2025
Location:
Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Meeting Attendees
Chairman
Richard Scarth
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Vice-Chairman
Sean Harrison
Employer Representative
Apologies
Committee Member
Rob Sansome
Employer Representative
Apologies
Committee Member
Tor Strowger
Employer Representative
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Ross Singleton
Scheme Representative
Apologies
Committee Member
Ant Westbrook
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Secretary
Nikola Berry
Expected
Committee Member
Richard North
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Sean Harrison, Ross Singleton and Rob Sansome.
2
Declarations of Interest
To enable Members to disclose to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest is not already entered in the Authority’s register of interests, and any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in any such matter that Members may wish to disclose.
Minutes
Members were mindful of their duty to disclose at the meeting any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest they had in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest was not already in the Authority’s register of interests, and their ability to disclose any other personal interests in any such matter that they might have wished to disclose.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting on 30 June 2025.
Attachments:
- Document 2025 06 30 HIWFRA FPB Minutes DRAFT 01 Oct 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2025 were reviewed and approved.
4
Deputations
Pursuant to Standing Order 19, to receive any deputations to this meeting.
Minutes
There were no deputations.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman welcomed Jennifer Allenby from HR and Kiran Moolgavkar from Pension Services to the meeting. Appreciation was expressed to both officers and members for their engagement in the recent pension training, which contributed positively to the Board’s ongoing development.
6
Legislation and Local Government (LGA) Update Report
To receive a report providing an update on legislation and the Local Government Association.
Attachments:
- Document Pension Board LGA and Legislation Update Report 01 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Firefighters’ Pension Board received a report summarising the bulletins from the Local Government Association (LGA) that have been issued since the last Pension Board. This includes any legislative updates (item 6).
Three bulletins have been received from the Local Government Association since the last meeting. These included updates on the consultations regarding employer and employee contribution rates, as well as the Matthews pension remedy. Both consultations closed earlier in the year, but responses from Government are still awaited.
Members were informed about a range of upcoming training opportunities and were encouraged to attend. During the discussion, Richard Scarth raised concerns about the employer and employee rates consultation, noting that the Government had indicated a desire for implementation by the end of October 2025. Members recognised that, once a response is received, there will be a significant amount of preparatory work required before any changes can be put in place, such as changes to the payroll system (SAP) and communicating the decision with employees.
To ensure readiness, a communications plan is being developed so that information can be shared promptly once details are confirmed. There was hope expressed that any adjustments to the pension contribution rates (for employees and employers) would be minor and not backdated, as a more substantial change would require a much larger workplan.
Richard Scarth also enquired about the content of the training scheduled for 22 January 2026. It was noted that details are not yet available, but it may be possible for members to attend only the most relevant sessions. Additionally, Tor Strowger asked whether sections of the training could be recorded for future reference, to help with any subsequent queries or to revisit information as needed. These requests will be fed back to the LGA.
RESOLVED
The report was noted by the HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board.
Three bulletins have been received from the Local Government Association since the last meeting. These included updates on the consultations regarding employer and employee contribution rates, as well as the Matthews pension remedy. Both consultations closed earlier in the year, but responses from Government are still awaited.
Members were informed about a range of upcoming training opportunities and were encouraged to attend. During the discussion, Richard Scarth raised concerns about the employer and employee rates consultation, noting that the Government had indicated a desire for implementation by the end of October 2025. Members recognised that, once a response is received, there will be a significant amount of preparatory work required before any changes can be put in place, such as changes to the payroll system (SAP) and communicating the decision with employees.
To ensure readiness, a communications plan is being developed so that information can be shared promptly once details are confirmed. There was hope expressed that any adjustments to the pension contribution rates (for employees and employers) would be minor and not backdated, as a more substantial change would require a much larger workplan.
Richard Scarth also enquired about the content of the training scheduled for 22 January 2026. It was noted that details are not yet available, but it may be possible for members to attend only the most relevant sessions. Additionally, Tor Strowger asked whether sections of the training could be recorded for future reference, to help with any subsequent queries or to revisit information as needed. These requests will be fed back to the LGA.
RESOLVED
The report was noted by the HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board.
7
Fire Pension Board Status Report and Risk Register Review
To receive an update on the development of key issues and to review the Risk Register.
Attachments:
- Document Pension Board Status Report & Risk Register Review 01 Oct 2025
- Document Pension Board Status Report & Risk Register Review - Appendix 1 Risk Register 01 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Firefighters’ Pension Board received the Fire Pension Board Status Report and Risk Register for review from the Chief
Financial Officer (item 7).
Communications have been issued to members regarding the availability of annual benefits statements.
The HR team have provided updates about the Matthews remedy via the external website and Nationally, the ‘MoneyBox’ programme on Radio 4 featured information about the pension remedy. The Board noted the value of this broadcast as a credible and detailed source. Following the episode, HR has received a flurry of emails and phone calls from members.
Regular meetings continue between the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and HR to resolve any issues promptly. In addition, formal pensions meetings are held monthly. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer recently met with Councillor Price and others to discuss the Matthews remedy and develop further guidance, although it was emphasised that the Board cannot advise individuals on their personal choices.
Pension Services highlighted that members who have opted out of the portal only receive two payslips a year unless there are changes to their circumstances. This process is under review to ensure that anyone experiencing variations during the year is contacted appropriately, and a plan will be brought back to the Board at a future meeting. The Board unanimously agreed that if a member’s payments change by a non-trivial amount, a payslip should be issued.
It was reported that there are not many formal complaints, but several issues are raised informally. The complaints process is being promoted to ensure that concerns are properly logged and monitored. The Board also learned that portal registration is approaching 75% of active, pensioner, and deferred members. All future communications will include information on how to register and use the portal.
There are three ongoing issues with the Matthews remedy: Contingent Opt Out, Compensation, and Entitlement to McCloud as a result of the Matthews remedy. For Contingent Opt Out, further information is expected soon. Compensation applies only in very narrow circumstances, and no guidance has yet been issued; the consensus among Fire & Rescue Services is to wait for official guidance before taking action. Entitlement is particularly complex, with many members confused about their options, so individual cases are being managed carefully to ensure the correct approach.
Guidance from the LGA is that all Matthews cases should be completed before McCloud to ensure accuracy. However, due to delays, the Board proceeded with McCloud cases first, which has resulted in only minor additional work for Hampshire Pension Services rather than significant disruption.
Regarding the Matthews remedy, the Government consulted on changes to extend the deadline to March 2026 for deferred and deceased firefighters, but no response has yet been issued. Once received, deferred and deceased cases will be reworked as necessary. Efforts have begun to trace beneficiaries of estates for deceased members, with around 50 cases identified but no contact has been made with them so far.
Of approximately 1,000 letters sent out, 514 expressions of interest have been received. Of these, 484 members have been sent information, 307 have responded positively, and 292 have completed the necessary actions. Some cases remain unresolved, particularly those involving former Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service members, due to difficulties in obtaining data. The team is exploring various approaches to gather as much information as possible, including escalating with Isle of Wight Council to check their records.
Hampshire holds data back to 2000, but Isle of Wight’s records do not go as far back, which presents an ongoing challenge. In the absence of data, assumptions must be made, though these are not always accurate for the Isle of Wight context.
The Government Actuary’s Department is still required to provide some calculations, and these are being regularly chased. There are also around 170 members who have received information but have not yet responded, which remains a concern. Work is ongoing to develop clearer explanatory communications and FAQs for members to aid their understanding.
Finally, members were informed that there have been no changes to the risk register, although it has been tidied up.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board:
· Noted the content of the report.
· Noted the content of the risk register at Appendix 1.
Financial Officer (item 7).
Communications have been issued to members regarding the availability of annual benefits statements.
The HR team have provided updates about the Matthews remedy via the external website and Nationally, the ‘MoneyBox’ programme on Radio 4 featured information about the pension remedy. The Board noted the value of this broadcast as a credible and detailed source. Following the episode, HR has received a flurry of emails and phone calls from members.
Regular meetings continue between the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and HR to resolve any issues promptly. In addition, formal pensions meetings are held monthly. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer recently met with Councillor Price and others to discuss the Matthews remedy and develop further guidance, although it was emphasised that the Board cannot advise individuals on their personal choices.
Pension Services highlighted that members who have opted out of the portal only receive two payslips a year unless there are changes to their circumstances. This process is under review to ensure that anyone experiencing variations during the year is contacted appropriately, and a plan will be brought back to the Board at a future meeting. The Board unanimously agreed that if a member’s payments change by a non-trivial amount, a payslip should be issued.
It was reported that there are not many formal complaints, but several issues are raised informally. The complaints process is being promoted to ensure that concerns are properly logged and monitored. The Board also learned that portal registration is approaching 75% of active, pensioner, and deferred members. All future communications will include information on how to register and use the portal.
There are three ongoing issues with the Matthews remedy: Contingent Opt Out, Compensation, and Entitlement to McCloud as a result of the Matthews remedy. For Contingent Opt Out, further information is expected soon. Compensation applies only in very narrow circumstances, and no guidance has yet been issued; the consensus among Fire & Rescue Services is to wait for official guidance before taking action. Entitlement is particularly complex, with many members confused about their options, so individual cases are being managed carefully to ensure the correct approach.
Guidance from the LGA is that all Matthews cases should be completed before McCloud to ensure accuracy. However, due to delays, the Board proceeded with McCloud cases first, which has resulted in only minor additional work for Hampshire Pension Services rather than significant disruption.
Regarding the Matthews remedy, the Government consulted on changes to extend the deadline to March 2026 for deferred and deceased firefighters, but no response has yet been issued. Once received, deferred and deceased cases will be reworked as necessary. Efforts have begun to trace beneficiaries of estates for deceased members, with around 50 cases identified but no contact has been made with them so far.
Of approximately 1,000 letters sent out, 514 expressions of interest have been received. Of these, 484 members have been sent information, 307 have responded positively, and 292 have completed the necessary actions. Some cases remain unresolved, particularly those involving former Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service members, due to difficulties in obtaining data. The team is exploring various approaches to gather as much information as possible, including escalating with Isle of Wight Council to check their records.
Hampshire holds data back to 2000, but Isle of Wight’s records do not go as far back, which presents an ongoing challenge. In the absence of data, assumptions must be made, though these are not always accurate for the Isle of Wight context.
The Government Actuary’s Department is still required to provide some calculations, and these are being regularly chased. There are also around 170 members who have received information but have not yet responded, which remains a concern. Work is ongoing to develop clearer explanatory communications and FAQs for members to aid their understanding.
Finally, members were informed that there have been no changes to the risk register, although it has been tidied up.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board:
· Noted the content of the report.
· Noted the content of the risk register at Appendix 1.
8
Hampshire Pension Services Administration Report September 2025
To receive an administration report from Hampshire Pension Services.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Pension Services Administration Report September 2025 01 Oct 2025
- Document Hampshire Pension Services Administration Report September 2025 - Appendix A 01 Oct 2025
Minutes
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Firefighters’ Pension Board received the Hampshire Pension Services Administration Report September 2025 from the Chief Financial Officer (item 8).
Membership numbers continue to rise, particularly among deferred and pensioner members. Hampshire Pension Services reported that performance against service level agreements remains at 100% across all areas, with a 26% increase in the total volume of work compared to the previous year.
Registration figures are current up to March 2025, so the actual number is now likely to be even higher. The scheme also has a higher membership than other funds managed by Hampshire Pension Services.
Portal usage throughout the year showed noticeable increases whenever communications were sent out to members. Over 99% of members received their benefit statements on time; the small number who did not were affected by ongoing work on their cases, which prevented accurate statements from being produced at that time.
Complaints remain rare, with only one formal complaint received during the period, which was resolved quickly. The Board agreed that, rather than resolving issues directly, they would signpost members who contact them to the appropriate channels.
All internal audits returned a ‘substantial’ rating, which was welcomed as excellent news. Cyber security testing was carried out in December 2024 and July 2025, using different firms to ensure a thorough assessment. Minor vulnerabilities identified in December were addressed before the July test, demonstrating a proactive approach to security.
Hampshire Pension Services continues to attend all dashboard webinars, and the annual report will be presented at the next meeting. There was a delay in readiness due to software issues, but work is ongoing to ensure compliance and effective administration.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board noted the content of the report.
Membership numbers continue to rise, particularly among deferred and pensioner members. Hampshire Pension Services reported that performance against service level agreements remains at 100% across all areas, with a 26% increase in the total volume of work compared to the previous year.
Registration figures are current up to March 2025, so the actual number is now likely to be even higher. The scheme also has a higher membership than other funds managed by Hampshire Pension Services.
Portal usage throughout the year showed noticeable increases whenever communications were sent out to members. Over 99% of members received their benefit statements on time; the small number who did not were affected by ongoing work on their cases, which prevented accurate statements from being produced at that time.
Complaints remain rare, with only one formal complaint received during the period, which was resolved quickly. The Board agreed that, rather than resolving issues directly, they would signpost members who contact them to the appropriate channels.
All internal audits returned a ‘substantial’ rating, which was welcomed as excellent news. Cyber security testing was carried out in December 2024 and July 2025, using different firms to ensure a thorough assessment. Minor vulnerabilities identified in December were addressed before the July test, demonstrating a proactive approach to security.
Hampshire Pension Services continues to attend all dashboard webinars, and the annual report will be presented at the next meeting. There was a delay in readiness due to software issues, but work is ongoing to ensure compliance and effective administration.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board noted the content of the report.
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