The Firefighters’ Pension (Wales) Scheme 1992 (PO-2573)

Subject

Mr Dyer’s complaint is about his entitlement to have two (split) pensions under the rules of the Firefighters’ Pension (Wales) Scheme 1992 (“the Scheme”) in respect of his service up to and after 23 April 2006and the decision by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service (“SWF&RS”) that he is not entitled to this.

The Deputy Pensions Ombudsman’s determination and short reasons

An entitlement to two (split) pensions on suffering a reduction of pensionable pay, either due to taking up a different role or as a result of a different rate of pay in an existing role, is only available if such a change occurs on or after 1 April 2007.

Accordingly, the complaint should not be upheld against SWF&RS because Mr Dyer’s change in role and resultant reduction in pensionable pay happened before that time, i.e. before the Scheme’s provisions for two (split) pension awards came in to force.