Explanatory note

This Order amends the Firemen’s Pension Scheme Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/129) and the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (England) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3432), to extend the period during which persons who were employed in England as retained firefighters have access to a pension scheme.

The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (England) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/445) amended the New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (England) (“the Scheme”) set out in Schedule 1 to S.I. 2006/3432), to provide those persons who were employed in England as retained firefighters during the period from 1st July 2000 to 5th April 2006 inclusive with access to a pension scheme for that period. This Order extends that period so that it commences on 7th April 2000 (“the extended limited period”).

Article 2 makes a consequential amendment to the Firefighter’s Pension Scheme 1992, set out in Schedule 2 to S.I. 1992/129.

The Schedule to this Order amends the Scheme.

Paragraphs 1 to 3 amend Parts 1 (citation and interpretation), 2 (membership, cessation and retirement) and 3 (personal awards) of the Scheme to provide for the extended limited period.

Paragraph 4 amends Part 5 of the Scheme (awards on death) to provide for the award of death grants in relation to the extended limited period.

Paragraph 5 makes minor amendments to Part 10 (qualifying service and pensionable scheme) to reflect the extended limited period.

Paragraph 6 inserts new rules 5B, 5C, 6C, 6D and 6E into Part 11 of the Scheme (pensionable pay, pension contributions and purchase of additional service) to provide for the purchase of service during the extended limited period and to make provision in relation to payment.

Paragraph 7 amends Part 12 of the Scheme (transfers into and out of the Scheme) to provide for the conversion of service purchased during the extended limited period, and to provide for cases where a conversion decision was made previously and service is now purchased during the extended limited period.

Paragraphs 8 and 9 amend Part 14 (payment of awards) and Annex 1 (ill health pensions) of the Scheme to provide for the extended limited period.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private or voluntary sector or community bodies is foreseen.