The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Fire Pension Scheme Board met on Thursday, 5 March 2026, to discuss performance data, current issues, and the board's plan. Key discussions included a breach report concerning 18 active members, with the board agreeing to progress its reporting. The decision on whether to report this externally was delegated to the scheme manager upon receipt of a completed breach report. The board also reviewed updates on the McCloud and Matthews remedies, performance data from West Yorkshire Pension Fund, and fire pension scheme bulletins.

Performance Data from West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Helen Scargill, from West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF), presented the performance data for February 2026. She noted that most Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were met, with the exception of pension estimates, which experienced delays due to increased workload and a backlog of annual benefit statements. An agreement with an oversight board, led by the Local Government Association, aims to supply pension estimates within 12 weeks of receipt. While this represents a breach of the KPI, the average time taken of 16.5 days meets the agreed timeframe. Updates were also provided on membership numbers, work in progress, and administration, including the McCloud remedy and staffing for the McCloud team. WYPF is actively recruiting additional staff for the McCloud team.

Current Issues

Vicki Sharpe, HR Advisor to the Board, provided an update on current issues. There were no new Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) cases since the last meeting. One breach was reported concerning the delayed production of deferred benefit statements and remedial service statements, which has been reported to The Pensions Regulator. Vicki Sharpe also provided an update on the McCloud and Sargeant Age Discrimination Remedy, detailing the number of members in scope and the status of retirements. The Matthews second options exercise is ongoing, with a significant number of individuals yet to respond. The implementation of the Pensions Dashboard has been delayed due to provider capacity issues.

A discussion took place regarding the delayed production of annual benefit statements for 18 out of 190 active members. While WYPF did not consider this a material breach, the Board was minded to report it. Following a discussion and a brief adjournment, the Board agreed to progress the reporting of this breach. The decision on whether to report it externally was delegated to the scheme manager upon receipt of a completed breach report.

Fire Pension Board Plan

The Board reviewed its Action Plan, Training Record, and Risk Register. It was noted that the annual scheme return to The Pensions Regulator had been completed, and the TPR Public Service Governance and Administration Survey was also completed. The year-end return to the Home Office was confirmed as ongoing. The Board discussed the risk register, particularly concerning the lack of skilled resources at WYPF, and agreed to increase the residual risk rating. An update on sustainability review and potential resourcing options was requested for the next meeting.

Fire Pensions Scheme Bulletins

Vicki Sharpe presented a summary of recent Fire Pensions Scheme bulletins. Bulletin 99 highlighted the LGA's work with MHCLG and GAD to address delays in case calculations, and confirmed funding for the implementation of the Matthews and McCloud remedies. Bulletin 100 outlined expected activities for 2026, including the continued processing of the Sargeant Remedy and updates on the Matthews Remedy, as well as changes to member contribution bands from April 2026. Bulletin 101 provided guidance on deemed elections for the Sargeant Remedy and updates on the Matthews exercise, including data on progress and the launch of a new member website and opt-out form.

Update from LGA Fire Pensions Oversight Board

Tony Kavanagh, Scheme Manager, provided an update on the LGA Fire Pensions Oversight Board, which was established in January 2026. The board provides governance oversight and challenge to WYPF regarding the implementation of the Sargeant remedy and business-as-usual administration. Key outcomes include an agreement on a 12-week KPI for pension estimates and access to back-scanning information for some authorities. A peer support group channel has been set up for the Matthews remedies. Tony Kavanagh also highlighted that manual calculations for the McCloud remedy are ongoing, with escalation to the software provider, Civica.

Helen Scargill added that while WYPF is committed to accurate calculations, incorrect cost calculations received from some Fire and Rescue Authorities are diverting resources from payment processing. She stressed that this is a global issue affecting all 24 authorities and that the Oversight Board and LGA agree that accurate information should be provided to WYPF. Vicki Sharpe acknowledged the support provided by WYPF and highlighted the value of the peer support group in sharing information and reducing the need for repeated queries.

Other Updates

Tracy Chamberlain, Pensions Administration Manager, provided an update on the Fire Pension Officers' Group, noting a discussion about aligning groups more closely with regions rather than the entire northeast. Helen Scargill confirmed that the Scheme Advisory Board meeting was scheduled for the following week.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation that the next meeting of the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Fire Pension Scheme Board is scheduled for 4 June 2026.