Pensions
Find out more about the various pension scheme for firefighters and support staff at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. This information will be relevant to current and former employees. Different staff members are covered by different pension schemes, depending on their contracts.
If you are, or were, a firefighter (or other applicable Grey Book role), please see the information for the 'Firefighter Pension Scheme'.
If you are, or were, a member of staff on Green Book conditions, it's likely you're covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Firefighter Pension Schemes
Membership of FPS 2015 is open to any person taking up employment as a firefighter with a fire and rescue authority on or after 1 April 2015 on terms under which he or she is, or may be, required to engage in firefighting, and whose role includes resolving operational incidents, or leading and supporting others in the resolution of such incidents. Enrolment into the Scheme is automatic on appointment.
Log into the FPS Member Self Service here
Table 1. FPS 2015 contribution rate from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (percentage of pensionable pay)
| Pensionable Pay | FPS 2015 |
|---|---|
| Up to £27,818 | 11.0% |
| £27,819 to £51,515 | 12.9% |
| £51,516 to £142,500 | £13.5% |
| £142,501 or more | £14.5% |
Amendments to the Firefighters Pension Scheme update - November 2018
The pension discretions policy above confers no contractual rights and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority retains the right to change the policy at any time. Decisions will be based on the version of the policy in force at the time an event takes place.
Local Government Pension Scheme
The LGPS is one of the largest pension schemes in the UK. It is a defined benefit pension scheme which means your pension is based on your salary and how long you pay into the Scheme.
Visit the website for LGPS Members in England and Wales
With effect from 01/04/2023 the LGPS bands/rates are as below:
| If your actual pensionable pay is: | You pay a contribution rate of: |
|---|---|
| Up to £16,500 | 5.5% |
| £16,501 to £25,900 | 5.8% |
| £25,901 to £42,100 | 5.8% |
| £42,101 to £53,300 | 6.5% |
| £53,301 to £74,700 | 8.5% |
| £74,701 to £105,900 | 9.9% |
| £105,901 to £124,800 | 10.5% |
| £124,801 to £187,200 | 11.4% |
| £187,201 or more | 12.5% |
The pension discretions policy above confers no contractual rights and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority retains the right to change the policy at any time. Decisions will be based on the version of the policy in force at the time an event takes place.
Making a complaint
The Internal Dispute and Resolution procedure (IDRP) is a process that can be used when an individual is not satisfied with a decision made regarding their pension.
View the procedure at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
If you wish to make a formal complaint, we advise you to notify Human Resources of this intention and they will ask you to complete the IDRP application form and return this to them.
Be warned of pension scams
Don’t let a scammer enjoy your retirement.
Pension scams can be hard to spot. Scammers can be articulate and financially knowledgeable, with credible websites, testimonials and materials that are hard to distinguish from the real thing. Scammers usually contact people out of the blue via phone, email or text, or even advertise online. Scammers will make false claims to gain your trust.
4 simple steps to protect yourself from pension scams:
Step 1 - Reject unexpected offers If you’re contacted out of the blue about a pension opportunity, chances are it’s high risk or a scam. If you get a cold call about your pension, the safest thing to do is to hang up. If you get unsolicited offers via email or text you should simply ignore them.
Step 2 - Check who you’re dealing with.
- Check the FCA Register - Make sure that anyone offering you advice or other financial services is FCA authorised.
- Check they are not a clone - A common scam is to pretend to be a genuine FCA authorised firm (called a ‘clone firm’). Always use the contact details on the Register, not the details the firm gives you.
Step 3 - Don’t be rushed or pressured. Take your time to make all the checks you need – even if this means turning down an ‘amazing deal’. Be wary of promised returns that sound too good to be true and don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision.
Step 4 - Get impartial information or advice You should seriously consider seeking financial guidance or advice before changing your pension arrangements.