Pensions Working Group: an update for members

5 November 2021

West Midlands Police Federation’s Pensions Working Group (PWG) met again last month to discuss ongoing issues around the introduction of the 2015 CARE Pension Scheme.

Since then Sid James, a Federation workplace representative sitting on the PWG, has been informed the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has upheld a decision by ARC, which was part of the Group Insurance Scheme, not to pay the Leigh Day fees.

Sid explained: “This is disappointing as success would have opened up opportunity for all subscribing members of our Group Insurance Scheme to claim their Leigh Day fees. However, having reviewed the decision, the working group agreed there was no realistic prospect of success in an appeal to the ombudsman.”

During the latest PWG meeting, a report from a pensions actuary commissioned by the group was discussed.

This report looked at whether members who were previously in the 2006 pensions scheme would be better having the remedy period in the 2006 scheme or 2015 scheme.

The report indicated that for some members of the 2006 scheme, having the remedy period in the 2015 scheme would increase their pension benefits. The implications of this, particularly in relation to fees for those in the Leigh Day challenge, are being explored.

Sid has also given an update in terms of the online survey of members carried out by the PWG.

He said: “The group are cognisant that there have been limited updates since the results of the survey were revealed. We are aware of the strength of feeling surrounding this area and that the majority of those surveyed feel the Federation should pay some or all of the legal fees for those in the Leigh Day challenge.

“This is not a view that has been dismissed. However, due to the various moving parts and unknowns, including ongoing legal action, we are not in a position to make a decision at this time but please be assured that we are looking to how best we can get our members’ wishes realised.”