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:
Monday, 26th January 2026
10:00 AM
Monday, 26th January 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Monday, 26th January 2026
2:00 PM
Monday, 26th January 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
26 Jan 2026
26 Jan 2026
Location:
Room X - Hampshire & IOW Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Room X - Hampshire & IOW Fire & Police HQ, Eastleigh
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Tor Strowger
Employer Representative
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Ross Singleton
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Richard North
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Ant Westbrook
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Secretary
Nikola Berry
Expected
Committee Member
Rob Sansome
Employer Representative
Apologies
Chairman
Richard Scarth
Scheme Representative
Present, as expected
Vice-Chairman
Sean Harrison
Employer Representative
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from 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.
Attachments:
- Document 2025 10 09 HIWFRA FPB Minutes 15 Jan 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 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 had no announcements to make.
6
Legislation and Local Government (LGA) Update Report
To receive a report providing an update on legislation and the Local Government Association.
Attachments:
- Document 2026-01-26 HIWFRS Pension Board LGA and Legislation Update Report 15 Jan 2026
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 (item 6 on the agenda).
The Board received an update outlining that three Local Government Association (LGA) bulletins had been issued since the last meeting, along with confirmation that two national consultations, which closed in early 2025, had now concluded. Members were informed that the structure of member contribution rates will change from April 2026, with work underway between the Service, the Pensions Team and IBC to prepare for implementation. Communications will begin shortly, supported by a series of example scenarios to help illustrate the impact of the changes for various different roles / scenarios. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer advised that most members are expected to see a reduction in their contribution rate, with only more senior roles likely to experience an increase. It was noted that tax relief means that an increase in contributions does not translate directly into an equivalent reduction in take?home pay, and the Chairman suggested including clear monetary examples to demonstrate this. Members expressed concern that staff may not fully understand the implications of the changes, and the Vice?Chairman recommended targeting updates at Station Manager forums, who are likely to be affected most.
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer emphasised the importance of ensuring that communications are clear that the new national bandings were not determined locally but will result in a noticeable change. Richard North highlighted that, although many will benefit, the first tier could be significantly affected, and this will need to be communicated with care. He added that lower ranks will generally gain, making this a potential good?news story for some. The Chairman advised that communications should be targeted at the groups most impacted, including those receiving pensionable allowances who may move between bands. Councillor Price stressed the importance of including details of the employer contribution rates in the messaging.
The Board noted the tight timeframe for implementation, with Government taking twelve months to issue the consultation response, meaning that communications cannot be delayed further if members are to be notified with sufficient time to prepare for the changes. The Chairman requested that the draft communications be shared with Board members for comment prior to publication. The Board also received an update from Officer Jenn Allenby regarding the Matthews remedy, noting that the outcome of the consultation had been published, including eight key legislative amendments, three of which are significant and detailed within the report. The next update will outline how the Service intends to implement these changes once the statutory instrument, expected by 31 March 2026, has been laid in Parliament. Members were informed that further LGA Pension Board training dates are awaited and will be circulated when available.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board noted the report.
The Board received an update outlining that three Local Government Association (LGA) bulletins had been issued since the last meeting, along with confirmation that two national consultations, which closed in early 2025, had now concluded. Members were informed that the structure of member contribution rates will change from April 2026, with work underway between the Service, the Pensions Team and IBC to prepare for implementation. Communications will begin shortly, supported by a series of example scenarios to help illustrate the impact of the changes for various different roles / scenarios. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer advised that most members are expected to see a reduction in their contribution rate, with only more senior roles likely to experience an increase. It was noted that tax relief means that an increase in contributions does not translate directly into an equivalent reduction in take?home pay, and the Chairman suggested including clear monetary examples to demonstrate this. Members expressed concern that staff may not fully understand the implications of the changes, and the Vice?Chairman recommended targeting updates at Station Manager forums, who are likely to be affected most.
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer emphasised the importance of ensuring that communications are clear that the new national bandings were not determined locally but will result in a noticeable change. Richard North highlighted that, although many will benefit, the first tier could be significantly affected, and this will need to be communicated with care. He added that lower ranks will generally gain, making this a potential good?news story for some. The Chairman advised that communications should be targeted at the groups most impacted, including those receiving pensionable allowances who may move between bands. Councillor Price stressed the importance of including details of the employer contribution rates in the messaging.
The Board noted the tight timeframe for implementation, with Government taking twelve months to issue the consultation response, meaning that communications cannot be delayed further if members are to be notified with sufficient time to prepare for the changes. The Chairman requested that the draft communications be shared with Board members for comment prior to publication. The Board also received an update from Officer Jenn Allenby regarding the Matthews remedy, noting that the outcome of the consultation had been published, including eight key legislative amendments, three of which are significant and detailed within the report. The next update will outline how the Service intends to implement these changes once the statutory instrument, expected by 31 March 2026, has been laid in Parliament. Members were informed that further LGA Pension Board training dates are awaited and will be circulated when available.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters' Pension Board noted the report.
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 2026-01-26 Pension Board status report 15 Jan 2026
- Document 2026-01-26 Pension Board status report Appendix 1 Risk Register 15 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Firefighters’ Pension Board received the Fire Pension Board Status Report and Risk Register for review from the Deputy Chief
Financial Officer (item 7 on the agenda).
The Board received the latest Status Report and Risk Register update and was informed that officers continue to attend a range of meetings and LGA “coffee mornings” to remain up to date with national developments. Monthly meetings also continue with Hampshire Pension Services to ensure the accuracy and consistency of communications. Several meetings have taken place with Councillor Price and representatives of the Past Members’ Association, with another scheduled later in the week; the Board agreed these sessions have been extremely valuable.
A verbal update was provided on an operational change not included in the report. Members who are not registered for the portal currently only receive payslips if their tax code changes; however, following previous Board recommendations, any member who experiences a change of more than a nominal amount will now begin receiving physical payslips in the post. This process will run for 12 months and be reviewed to assess volume and effectiveness. Portal registration has now reached approximately 75% across all membership groups, although deferred members remain harder to engage.
The Board reviewed the Pension Regulator’s common and conditional data scores. A reduction in conditional data for the 2006 Scheme was noted, largely due to ongoing Matthew’s remedy work. Officers will focus on improving data quality over the coming months. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer undertook to ascertain the triggers that would prompt a regulatory response, as scores are submitted annually but no feedback is currently received.
An update was provided on outstanding McCloud remedy issues, including cases involving opted?out members wishing to opt in, the compensation scheme, and entitlements resulting from Matthews. Progress on these areas is dependent on further Government guidance. The Board also received a detailed update on the Matthews remedy consultation, which sought to address both the unachievable original completion deadline of March 2025 and weaknesses in earlier legislation. The revised deadline for completion is now March 2027. While the additional time is welcome, officers emphasised that the intention is not to allow progress to slow.
Members were briefed on changes relating to death grants. Historically, a grant was only payable if the member had submitted their form prior to death; new legislation will remove this requirement, and 38 cases locally are potentially affected. Communications on this matter will require particular care, and officers will wait for the statutory instrument due by 31 March 2026 before issuing any correspondence. Draft letters will be shared with Board members for input prior to release. Additional grant funding has been received to support this work.
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer also explained forthcoming changes for deferred members. Under previous rules, some members could not opt to join the modified 2006 Scheme, leading to inconsistencies and differing benefits. New legislation will allow this cohort to convert if they wish to. Communications will outline options clearly in monetary terms, rather than asking members if they wish to see calculations as initially advised nationally. The Vice?Chairman noted that current forms naturally lead members towards the first option listed, which may not be the most advantageous. Updated guidance has now been produced to simplify and clarify the process and will be circulated for review. Further communications to members who have not yet responded will include a link to the recent Money Box programme that discussed the remedy, and the Chairman suggested also signposting to the Past Members’ Association to add credibility, which was agreed. The Board recorded its thanks to the Association for its support.
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer highlighted continued engagement work, particularly with retired members, and reiterated that individuals concerned about affordability are encouraged to make contact, as options such as offsetting may be available. It was noted that, while some non?responders may choose not to engage, the Service is committed to supporting all members up to the final deadline (which is expected to be 31 March 2027).
Members were informed that Hampshire Pension Services successfully connected to the Pension Dashboard in December 2025. A six?month notice period is expected once the national timeline is confirmed.
The Board was advised of one missed deadline relating to an information request from the Scheme Advisory Board, although the information was subsequently provided, and the deadline was not statutory. Finally, members noted the updates to the risk register, including reductions in communication?related risks. In response to a query from Councillor Price regarding the amalgamation of pension bodies, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer explained that there were currently no further updates. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on competition and risk.
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 on the agenda).
The Board received the latest Status Report and Risk Register update and was informed that officers continue to attend a range of meetings and LGA “coffee mornings” to remain up to date with national developments. Monthly meetings also continue with Hampshire Pension Services to ensure the accuracy and consistency of communications. Several meetings have taken place with Councillor Price and representatives of the Past Members’ Association, with another scheduled later in the week; the Board agreed these sessions have been extremely valuable.
A verbal update was provided on an operational change not included in the report. Members who are not registered for the portal currently only receive payslips if their tax code changes; however, following previous Board recommendations, any member who experiences a change of more than a nominal amount will now begin receiving physical payslips in the post. This process will run for 12 months and be reviewed to assess volume and effectiveness. Portal registration has now reached approximately 75% across all membership groups, although deferred members remain harder to engage.
The Board reviewed the Pension Regulator’s common and conditional data scores. A reduction in conditional data for the 2006 Scheme was noted, largely due to ongoing Matthew’s remedy work. Officers will focus on improving data quality over the coming months. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer undertook to ascertain the triggers that would prompt a regulatory response, as scores are submitted annually but no feedback is currently received.
An update was provided on outstanding McCloud remedy issues, including cases involving opted?out members wishing to opt in, the compensation scheme, and entitlements resulting from Matthews. Progress on these areas is dependent on further Government guidance. The Board also received a detailed update on the Matthews remedy consultation, which sought to address both the unachievable original completion deadline of March 2025 and weaknesses in earlier legislation. The revised deadline for completion is now March 2027. While the additional time is welcome, officers emphasised that the intention is not to allow progress to slow.
Members were briefed on changes relating to death grants. Historically, a grant was only payable if the member had submitted their form prior to death; new legislation will remove this requirement, and 38 cases locally are potentially affected. Communications on this matter will require particular care, and officers will wait for the statutory instrument due by 31 March 2026 before issuing any correspondence. Draft letters will be shared with Board members for input prior to release. Additional grant funding has been received to support this work.
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer also explained forthcoming changes for deferred members. Under previous rules, some members could not opt to join the modified 2006 Scheme, leading to inconsistencies and differing benefits. New legislation will allow this cohort to convert if they wish to. Communications will outline options clearly in monetary terms, rather than asking members if they wish to see calculations as initially advised nationally. The Vice?Chairman noted that current forms naturally lead members towards the first option listed, which may not be the most advantageous. Updated guidance has now been produced to simplify and clarify the process and will be circulated for review. Further communications to members who have not yet responded will include a link to the recent Money Box programme that discussed the remedy, and the Chairman suggested also signposting to the Past Members’ Association to add credibility, which was agreed. The Board recorded its thanks to the Association for its support.
The Deputy Chief Financial Officer highlighted continued engagement work, particularly with retired members, and reiterated that individuals concerned about affordability are encouraged to make contact, as options such as offsetting may be available. It was noted that, while some non?responders may choose not to engage, the Service is committed to supporting all members up to the final deadline (which is expected to be 31 March 2027).
Members were informed that Hampshire Pension Services successfully connected to the Pension Dashboard in December 2025. A six?month notice period is expected once the national timeline is confirmed.
The Board was advised of one missed deadline relating to an information request from the Scheme Advisory Board, although the information was subsequently provided, and the deadline was not statutory. Finally, members noted the updates to the risk register, including reductions in communication?related risks. In response to a query from Councillor Price regarding the amalgamation of pension bodies, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer explained that there were currently no further updates. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on competition and risk.
RESOLVED
The HIWFRA Firefighters’ Pension Board
· Noted the content of the report.
· Noted the content of the risk register at Appendix 1.
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