The Hertfordshire Fire Pension Board met on Monday 20 July 2026 to elect a new chair and vice-chair, review the pension fund's risk register, and discuss performance reports from LPPA, the administrator of the firefighters' pension scheme. Key decisions included the election of Peter Hill as vice-chair and the noting of various performance reports and draft accounts.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The meeting began with the election of the board's chair and vice-chair for the coming year. John Boulter was elected as chair, but as he was unable to attend the meeting, Peter Hill was subsequently elected as vice-chair and took over the chairing of the meeting. Mark Barber, substituting for John Boulter, was able to vote, while new substitute members Dan Bathurst and Robert Senior, representing the members, were welcomed but could not vote as they were not substituting for full members.

Pension Fund Risk Register Report

The board reviewed the Hertfordshire Fire Pension Scheme Risk Register for the period 1 January to 31 March 2026. Three risks were identified as exceeding the tolerated risk threshold. Risks A1 (ineffective management of the fund) and A2 (skills or knowledge gaps at the admin authority) were attributed to the recent retirement of the Head of Pensions, although the role has since been filled. Risk E1 (poor administration, including failures and delays in implementing regulatory changes) remains above the tolerance threshold due to ongoing delays in the McCloud remedy. Alyson Sharpe, Lead Pensions Governance Officer, presented the report, and the board noted its contents.

Hertfordshire LGPS and FPS Q4 2025/26 LPPA Performance Report

Scott Mackerel, from LPPA (Local Pensions Partnership Administration), presented the performance report for the firefighters' pension scheme for the fourth quarter of 2025/26. The report highlighted a strong overall casework performance of 96.2%, with a minor dip in January due to a reporting error that did not affect member payments. Contact centre performance remained strong, with an average call wait time of one minute and 45 seconds. However, customer satisfaction scores from after-call surveys were noted as being low at 37.5%. LPPA achieved PASA accreditation, the highest standard for UK pension administrators, and was also shortlisted for several UK Professional Pension Awards. The report also detailed progress on the McCloud remedy, with a significant number of Immediate Choice Remedial Service Statements (ICRSSs) issued. The board noted and commented on the report.

Report on Age Discrimination and Remedy

Rachel Wilson, Senior HR Officer, provided an update on the council's progress with the age discrimination remedy, also known as the McCloud remedy. Active retirement processes were reported to be working well, with 41 retirements under the remedy processed. Three contingent decisions remained outstanding, awaiting statements, and these were being prioritised after the issuance of RSS statements and escape rate work. Regarding Immediate Choice Remedial Service Statements (ICRSSs), 15 remained outstanding, with one ill-health case with GAD and 12 protected Matthews members awaiting system fixes. Payments to pensioners were in a good position, with 33 out of 35 payments completed. The board noted the content of the report.

Report on Second Options Exercise for Retained Firefighters

Rachel Wilson also presented an update on the second options exercise for retained firefighters, related to the Matthews remedy. Work was ongoing, with 179 expression of interest forms returned, representing just under half of the members in scope. 153 quotes had been issued, with 12 outstanding pending pay data. 62 pensioner members had been paid, with a small number still outstanding. The report detailed progress on amendment legislation, with 44 members in scope for conversions or to purchase opted-out service. The board noted the content of the report.

Firefighters' Pension Fund Draft Accounts 2025/26

Rob Winterton, Finance Manager, presented the draft accounts for the Firefighters' Pension Fund for 2025/26. The accounts showed a deficit of £10.5 million, an increase from the previous year, which was met by a central government top-up grant. Employer and employee contributions had increased, as had the total benefits paid. Active, deferred, and pensioner members had all increased. The board noted and commented on the content of the report.

Dates of Future Meetings

The board noted the dates for future meetings: 9 October 2026, 18 December 2026, 12 March 2027, and 25 June 2027, all scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM.

Part II of the meeting, concerning exempt information, was then moved to be held in private.