Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (PO-11377)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mrs H’s complaint, and no further action is required by KCC or KFRS apart from the payment of lump sum compensation that KCC has already offered to Mrs H.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mrs H has complained that, KCC (the FPS administrator), and KFRS (the relevant fire authority), have refused to award her a spouse’s pension following the death of her husband (Mr H) in 2014, despite letters from KCC to Mr H in 1998, stating that a spouse’s pension would become payable on his death.