Firefighters Pension Scheme Valuations
Valuations of the Scottish Firefighters Pension Schemes (SFPS) must be undertaken every four years to measure the costs of benefits being provided. Each valuation follows HM Treasury directions and regulations and are carried out by the Government Actuary's Department on behalf of the Scottish Government based on scheme data held at March of the relevant year.
The latest valuation of the SFPS was based on scheme data as at March 2016. The valuation has set the rate payable for the scheme for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2023 and the rates payable by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after deduction of payments made for ill-health retirements are 1992 scheme 39.1%, 2006 scheme 24.5% and 2015 scheme 26.8%. In addition, the valuation also measured the movement in the employer cost cap.
However, the written statement of 30 January 2019 by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (CST) directed that the employer cost cap rectification of the unfunded public service schemes should pause. The statement also confirmed that the proposed increase in the scheme employer contribution rate should continue given the potential costs that would be faced by schemes resulting from the McCloud/Sargeant Court of Appeal decision on 20 December 2018 (Case number A2/2018/0635).
The Court of Appeal found that the transitional protections applied as part of the 2015 reforms discriminated on the grounds of age although the UK Government has sought leave to appeal that decision. The valuation report reflects the CST’s written statement.
Under existing legislation the next valuation will be based on scheme data as at 31st March 2020 and will set the employer contribution rate for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027.
You can find the 2016 valuation report and supporting documentation below.