Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2020, and to authorise the Chairman to sign as a true record a copy of the Minutes from this meeting when they have been produced.

RESOLVED:

i)           THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2020 be confirmed.

ii)          THAT the Chairman be authorised to sign as a true record a copy of the Minutes from this meeting when they have been produced.

To invite Members to declare any interest they might have in the matters on the agenda.

Cllr Stewart declared an interest as a member of the Shadow Combined Fire Authority.

To note the scheme returns, submitted on 11 December 2020:

The Technical Finance Manager presented the scheme returns submitted on 11 December 2020, and the board were asked to note that compliance with the Pension Regulators’ requirements and deadlines had been achieved. No comments or questions by board members were raised at this stage and the update was noted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Pensions Regulator Scheme Returns 2019-2020 be noted.

To note the submission of the Pension Regulator's annual governance and administration survey on 11 February 2021.

The Technical Finance Manager presented the Pension Regulator's annual governance and administration survey submitted on 11 February 2021. The board were asked to note that compliance with the Pension Regulators’ requirements and deadlines had been achieved, and board members were thanked for their contributions.  It was confirmed that there would be no requirement to submit future surveys from 1 April 2021 when the Isle of Wight Fire Authority would cease to exist. No comments or questions by board members were raised at this stage and the update was noted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the submission of the Pensions Regulator’s Governance and Administration Survey 2020 be noted.

To receive information on membership numbers as at 31 January 2021.

The Pensions Manager presented information on membership numbers as at 31 January 2021. No comments or questions by board members were raised at this stage and the update was noted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the membership update be noted.

To receive a report on the latest developments from the LGA including the transitional protections age discrimination case.

The Technical Finance Manager presented the report which provided an overview of the latest developments from the LGA (including the transitional protections age discrimination case), and it was advised that all future actions would be covered by the Combined Fire Authority. No comments or questions by board members were raised at this stage and the update was noted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the update be noted.

To note that there have been no breaches or complaints since last reported to the Board.  

The Board noted that there had been no breaches or complaints reported since the meeting. The Chairman highlighted that correspondence with the Pensions Manager had been ongoing with regards to pension enquiries.

RESOLVED:

THAT the update be noted.

To receive an update on progress towards the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Combined Fire Authority, including the adoption of the terms of reference and membership of the new combined authority pension board.

The Board received an update on the progress towards the Hampshire and Isle of Wight CFA, including the adoption of the terms of reference and membership of the new combined authority pension board.

The Technical Finance Manager advised that the new board would be chaired by Stew Adamson, and it was confirmed that Sean Harrison and Ross Singleton would sit as board employer and scheme member representatives, respectively. With regards to governance and administration, it was confirmed that the combined fire board would be supported by a dedicated Employer Support Officer and the board were reassured that the pensions of local scheme members would be managed appropriately.

The Pensions Manager advised that weekly meetings were being held in relation to data transfer and no issues had been identified. It was confirmed that communications to all scheme members had been circulated and clarification was provided with regards to final payroll arrangements. Discussion took place in relation to the arrangements for future data storage, the issuing of P60’s, and temporary promotion refunds. The board were reassured that transition was anticipated to be smooth and there would be very little impact on scheme members.

RESOLVED:

THAT the decisions of the Shadow Authority be noted.

Members to raise any other matters.  

Discussion took place regarding data cleansing and the Chairman offered any additional support to the administration team. The Pensions Manager advised that issues in relation to modified members had been escalated, and the Chairman was thanked for his support.

Questions were raised in relation to the CFA transition and temporary postholder’s eligibility for full scheme benefits. It was clarified that advice should be sought from the Payroll Team leader.

All board members and officers were thanked for their ongoing support and efforts.