The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Wales) (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2015

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make transitional provisions for a member of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 1992 (“the 1992 Scheme”) and a member of the New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Wales) 2007 (NFPS) who are no longer able to remain active members of those Schemes following the transitional provisions in Schedule 2 to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Wales) Regulations 2015 (“the 2015 Regulations”).

The amendments to Schedule 2 to the 2015 Regulations provide for the ill-health benefits and survivorship benefits in relation to an active member of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Wales) 2015 who is treated as an “active member” of the 1992 Scheme and the NFPS for this purpose. The amendments provide when a member of these Schemes is treated as “active” and when treated as a deferred member. Consequential amendments are made for these purposes to the NFPS and the 1992 Scheme.

The amendments to the Schedule also make consequential amendments in connection with Schedule 7 (final salary link) to the Public Service Pensions Act 2013. Further amendments are made in connection with this to the definitions of “pensionable pay” and “final pensionable pay” in the NFPS and to the definitions of “pensionable pay” and “average pensionable pay” in the 1992 Scheme.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to these Regulations. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from the Fire and Armed Forces Branch, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ or 0300 062 8221.