The Firefighters’ Pensions (Remediable Service) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

PART 1 N.I. Introductory provisions

Citation and commencement N.I.

1.  These Regulations may be cited as the Firefighters’ Pensions (Remediable Service) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and come into operation on 1st October 2023.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) In these Regulations—

“PSPJOA 2022” means the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022;

“WRP(NI)O 1999” means the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999(1);

“the FPS” means the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2007(2);

“the NFPS” means the New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2007(3);

“the 2015 Regulations” means the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(4);

“the PSP(NI) Directions 2023” means the Public Service Pensions (Exercise of Powers, Compensation and Information) Directions (Northern Ireland) 2023(5);

“deferred choice decision” has the meaning given in regulation 11(1);

“deferred choice decision-maker” means the person who may make a deferred choice decision under regulation 11(2);

“deferred choice member” means a member with remediable service as a firefighter who is not an immediate choice member;

“deferred choice pension” means a pension the rate of which—

(a)

is not determined (by any extent) by reference to the member’s remediable service, as a firefighter, and

(b)

is not affected by the coming into force of section 2(1) of PSPJOA 2022;

“eligible child” has, in relation to—

(a)

the FPS, the meaning given in articles 33 to 35 of that Order;

(b)

the NFPS, the meaning given in article 28 of Part 4 of that Order;

(c)

the 2015 Regulations, the meaning given in regulation 93 of those Regulations;

“end of the section 10 election period”, in relation to a deferred choice member, means the time determined in accordance with—

(a)

where the member is the deferred choice decision-maker, regulation 13(3)(b);

(b)

where a person other than the member is the deferred choice decision-maker, regulation 14(2)(b);

“firefighters’ pension scheme” means the FPS, the NFPS or the reformed scheme;

“immediate choice decision” has the meaning given in regulation 8(1);

“immediate choice decision-maker” means the person who may make an immediate choice decision under regulation 8(2);

“immediate choice member” means a member with remedial service as a firefighter who, immediately before 1st October 2023, was deceased or entitled to the present payment of a pension, other than a deferred choice pension, under a firefighters pension scheme;

“legacy scheme”, in relation to a member, means whichever of the FPS or the NFPS is the relevant Chapter 1 legacy scheme(6) for the member, and “legacy scheme benefits” means benefits calculated in accordance with that scheme;

“member” means an active, deferred, deceased or pensioner member of a firefighters’ pension scheme;

“opted out service election” has the meaning given in regulation 6(1);

“reformed scheme” means the pension scheme established by the 2015 Regulations, and “reformed scheme benefits” means the new scheme(7) benefits under the reformed scheme;

“remediable service as a firefighter” means, in relation to a member, the member’s remediable service(8) in an employment or office that is pensionable service(9) under a firefighters’ pension scheme;

“remedy member” means a deferred choice member or an immediate choice member;

“section 6 election” has the meaning given in regulation 8(1)(a);

“section 10 election” has the meaning given in regulation 12(1)(a)

(2) For the purposes of these Regulations, a reference in PSPJOA 2022 to section 2(1) of that Act coming into force is to be understood as a reference to that section coming into force in relation to members of a firefighters’ pension scheme.

(3) A term used in these Regulations which—

(a) is defined in, or for the purposes of, a provision in Chapter 1 of Part 1 of PSPJOA 2022, and

(b) is not defined differently in these Regulations,

has the meaning given in, or for the purposes of, that provision.

(4) A term used in these Regulations which—

(a) is defined in the FPS, the NFPS or the 2015 Regulations (“the relevant Regulations”), and

(b) is not defined differently—

(i) in these Regulations, or

(ii) in, or for the purposes of, a provision in Chapter 1 of Part 1 to PSPJOA 2022,

has, in relation to the scheme established by the relevant Regulations, the meaning given in those Regulations.

(5) In these Regulations, a reference to a provision of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 is a reference to that provision as amended from time to time.

(6) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 applies to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Delegation N.I.

3.  The scheme manager may delegate any functions of the scheme manager under these Regulations, including this power to delegate.

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 2 N.I. Remediable service statements

Requirements relating to remediable service statements N.I.

4.—(1) The scheme manager must provide a remediable service statement in respect of a remedy member (“ M”) in accordance with—

(a) section 29 of PSPJOA 2022,

(b) any Department of Finance directions made under section 29(6) of that Act, and

(c) this regulation.

(2) The scheme manager must provide a remediable service statement in respect of M—

(a) on or before the relevant date(10),

(b) where M is, in relation to their remediable service as a firefighter, for the time being—

(i) an active member, at least once in each year ending with the anniversary of the relevant date;

(ii) a deferred member, within three months of receipt of a written request by the member(11), and

(c) where M is a deferred choice member, as soon as is reasonably practicable following receipt of notification—

(i) under regulation 13(2) that M intends to claim benefits in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(ii) that M has died.

(3) The remediable service statement must be provided—

(a) to M, or

(b) where—

(i) M is deceased, and

(ii) the eligible decision-maker is a person other than the scheme manager,

to the person who is for the time being the eligible decision-maker, under the Schedule, in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(4) The remediable service statement must include—

(a) where the scheme manager has determined that any information to be provided in connection with M’s remediable service as a firefighter must be communicated in a particular form and manner, information about that form and manner;

(b) where M is an immediate choice member, information about the irrevocability of an immediate choice decision;

(c) where M is a deferred choice member, information about the circumstances in which a deferred choice decision is revocable, and the circumstances in which it is irrevocable.

(5) For further provision about—

(a) what a remediable service statement must include, see—

(i) section 29(5) of the PSPJOA 2022;

(ii) direction 20(1) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023;

(b) when a remediable service statement must be combined with a benefit information statement provided under section 14 of the Public Service Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, see direction 20(2) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 3 N.I. Decisions about the treatment of remediable service as a firefighter

CHAPTER 1 N.I. Opted-out service elections

Application and interpretation of Chapter 1 N.I.

5.—(1) This Chapter applies to and in respect of a member (“ M”) with opted-out service in an employment or office in relation to M’s legacy scheme(12).

(2) In this Chapter—

“opted-out service decision-maker” means the person who may make an opted-out service election in accordance with regulation 6(2);

“relevant opted-out service” means the service referred to in paragraph (1).

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Election in relation to opted-out service N.I.

6.—(1) An election (an “opted-out service election”) may be made in relation to M’s relevant opted-out service in accordance with this Chapter and section 5 of PSPJOA 2022.

(2) An opted-out service election may be made—

(a) by M, or

(b) where M is deceased, by the eligible decision-maker determined in accordance with the Schedule.

(3) Where a person (P) other than the scheme manager is the opted-out service decision-maker, an opted-out service election may only be made after the scheme manager determines an application which is—

(a) made by or on behalf of M,

(b) in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager,

(c) received by the scheme manager during the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is provided in relation to M under regulation 4(2)(a), and

(d) accompanied by such information—

(i) which is information within P’s possession, or

(ii) which P may reasonably be expected to obtain,

that the scheme manager may by written notice require the person to provide in relation to the decision which caused the service in question to become opted-out service.

(4) As soon as is reasonably practicable after receipt of an application, the scheme manager must—

(a) determine whether an opted-out service election may be made in relation to M, and

(b) notify the person who made the application whether such an opted-out service election may be made.

(5) Except where M meets the third condition in section 1(5) of PSOJOA 2022 by virtue of falling within section 1(5)(b), the scheme manager must refuse an application unless both of the following conditions are met—

(a) the decision by virtue of which M’s service became opted-out service was communicated to the scheme manager on or after 12th March 2012, and

(b) the decision by virtue of which M’s service became opted-out service was made pursuant to a relevant breach of a non-discrimination rule(13).

(6) But the scheme manager must not refuse an application where the decision by virtue of which M’s service became opted-out service was communicated to the scheme manager during the period—

(a) beginning on the day six months before M would have (but for the opt-out decision) become a member of the reformed scheme, and

(b) ending at the end of 28th February 2022.

(7) Where the scheme manager is the opted-out service decision-maker, the scheme manager must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after determining that they are the opted-out service decision-maker, determine whether to make an opted-out service election in relation to M.

(8) An opted-out service election to be made by—

(a) a person other than the scheme manager is made when the person confirms that an opted-out service election is to be made following receipt of the notification mentioned in paragraph (4)(b);

(b) the scheme manager is made at the time determined by the scheme manager.

(9) See section 5(2) to (4) of the PSPJOA 2022 about the effect, timing and irrevocability of an opted-out service election.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 2 N.I. Immediate choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits

Application and interpretation of Chapter 2 N.I.

7.—(1) This Chapter applies in respect of the remediable service as a firefighter of an immediate choice member (“ M”).

(2) Where M has remediable service as a firefighter in multiple employments or offices, this Chapter applies separately in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter in each employment or office.

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 7 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Immediate choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits: general N.I.

8.—(1) A decision (“an immediate choice decision”) may be made in accordance with this Chapter—

(a) to make an election (“a section 6 election”) by virtue of section 6 of PSPJOA 2022 in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(b) that no section 6 election is to be made in relation to that service.

(2) An immediate choice decision may be made—

(a) by M, or

(b) where M is deceased, by the eligible decision-maker specified in the Schedule.

(3) An immediate choice decision made by—

(a) a person other than the scheme manager is made when it is received by the scheme manager in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager;

(b) the scheme manager is made at the time determined by the scheme manager.

(4) An immediate choice decision may only be made before the end of the section 6 election period(14).

(5) An immediate choice decision is irrevocable.

(6) An immediate choice decision to make a section 6 election takes effect as a section 6 election (see sections 6(5) and (7), 7(1)(b) and 9 of PSPJOA 2022 about the effect of a section 6 election).

(7) Paragraph (8) applies where—

(a) immediately before 1st October 2023, M has remediable service as a firefighter in the reformed scheme (“reformed scheme service”) and

(b) an immediate choice decision is made that no section 6 election is to be made in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(8) Where this paragraph applies, section 6(4) of PSPJOA 2022 does not apply in relation to M’s reformed scheme service (and, accordingly, section 2(1) of PSPJOA 2022 has effect in relation to M’s reformed scheme service for the purposes mentioned in section 2(3)(b) of that Act from the time the immediate choice decision mentioned in paragraph (7)(b) is made).

(9) The following provisions of PSPJOA 2022 have effect in relation to an immediate choice decision that no section 6 election is to be made as they have effect in relation to a section 6 election—

(a) section 6(7) (section 6 election has effect in respect of all remediable service in the employment or office);

(b) section 7(1)(b) (provision about when a section 6 election is to be treated as having taken effect);

(c) section 9 (provision about persons with remediable service in more than one Chapter 1 legacy scheme).

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 8 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Immediate choice decision: additional requirements N.I.

9.—(1) This regulation applies where the immediate choice decision-maker (“ D”) is a person other than the scheme manager.

(2) An immediate choice decision may not be made unless a remediable service statement has been provided in accordance with regulation 4(2)(a).

(3) An immediate choice decision is to be treated as having been made only if D provides any information specified in a written request from the scheme manager that is—

(a) information in D’s possession, or

(b) information which D can reasonably be expected to obtain.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 9 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Immediate choice decision: deemed election N.I.

10.—(1) Where—

(a) the end of the section 6 election period in relation to M has passed,

(b) no immediate choice decision has been communicated to the scheme manager, and

(c) it appears to the scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, that the value of reformed scheme benefits payable if a section 6 election is made is greater than the value of legacy scheme benefits payable if a section 6 election is not made,

a section 6 election is treated as having been made immediately before the end of the section 6 election period.

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 10 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 3 N.I. Deferred choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits

Application and interpretation of Chapter 3 N.I.

11.—(1) This Chapter applies in respect of the remediable service as a firefighter of a deferred choice member (“ M”).

(2) Where M has remediable service as a firefighter in multiple employments or offices, this Chapter applies separately in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter in each employment or office.

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 11 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Deferred choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits: general N.I.

12.—(1) A decision (a “deferred choice decision”) may be made—

(a) to make an election (“a section 10 election”) by virtue of section 10 of PSPJOA 2022 in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(b) that no section 10 election is to be made in relation to that service.

(2) A deferred choice decision may be made—

(a) by M, or

(b) where M is deceased, by the eligible decision-maker determined in accordance with the Schedule.

(3) A deferred choice decision made by—

(a) a person other than the scheme manager is made when it is received by the scheme manager in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager;

(b) the scheme manager is made at a time determined by the scheme manager.

(4) A deferred choice decision may only be made before the end of the section 10 election period.

(5) A deferred choice decision to make a section 10 election takes effect as a section 10 election (see sections 10(4) and (5), 11(3)(b), (4) and (7) and 13 of PSPJOA 2022 about the effect of a section 10 election).

(6) Where the deferred choice decision is that no section 10 election is to be made, the benefits payable to or in respect of M, so far as they are determined by reference to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, are legacy scheme benefits.

(7) The following provisions of PSPJOA 2022 have effect in relation to a decision that no section 10 election is to be made as they have effect in relation to a section 10 election—

(a) section 10(5) (section 10 election has effect in respect of all remediable service in the employment or office);

(b) section 11(3)(b), (4) and (7) (provision about when a section 10 election take effect, and the effect of lapse or revocation of a section 10 election);

(c) section 13 (persons with remediable service in more than one Chapter 1 legacy scheme).

(8) No benefits are payable under the legacy scheme in respect of M’s pensionable service under that scheme unless—

(a) a deferred choice decision is made in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter,

(b) a section 10 election is deemed to have been made under regulation 16 in relation to that service,

(c) M has notified the scheme manager that they intend to claim benefits under a firefighters’ pension scheme in respect of their remediable service as a firefighter and it was not reasonably practicable for the scheme manager to provide a remediable service statement in respect of M in accordance with regulation 4(2)(c)(i) before the date on which such benefits become payable, or

(d) M is deceased.

(9) Where M is a person described in paragraph (8)(c) or (d), the scheme manager may, before a deferred choice decision is made or a section 10 election is deemed to have been made in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, pay to any person (“the beneficiary”) who is, or is to be, entitled to receive benefits in relation to M’s pensionable service such benefits (whether by way of lump sum or otherwise) to which the beneficiary would be entitled if no section 10 election is made, or deemed to be made, in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(10) The scheme manager may not pay benefits under paragraph (9) which are determined by reference to any voluntary contribution(15) paid by M pursuant to an arrangement which commenced during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(11) Where, at the operative time—

(a) the aggregate of the lump sum or pension benefits that have been paid pursuant to paragraph (9) to a beneficiary, exceeds

(b) the aggregate of the lump sum or pension benefits to which (after taking into account the effect, if any, of paragraph (6) of this regulation or section 10(4) of PSPJOA 2022) the beneficiary is entitled under a firefighters’ pension scheme in respect of M’s pensionable service,

the beneficiary must pay an amount equal to the difference to the scheme manager.

(12) Where, at the operative time—

(a) the amount mentioned in paragraph 11(a), is less than

(b) the amount mentioned in paragraph 11(b),

the scheme manager must pay an amount equal to the difference to the beneficiary.

(13) In this regulation, “the operative time” means—

(a) if—

(i) a deferred choice decision is made, or

(ii) a section 10 election is deemed to have been made,

in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, the time the decision or election is made;

(b) otherwise, the end of the section 10 election period in relation to M.

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 12 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Deferred choice decision to be made by M N.I.

13.—(1) This regulation applies where M is the deferred choice decision-maker.

(2) M must notify the scheme manager in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager that M intends to claim benefits in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter—

(a) during the period between 6 and 3 months before the date M intends such benefits to become payable, or

(b) during such other period that the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances.

(3) A deferred choice decision may only be made during the period—

(a) beginning on the date a remediable service statement is issued under regulation 4(2)(c)(i), and

(b) ending—

(i) at the end of the day 12 weeks after that date,

(ii) subject to paragraph (5), at the end of such other day as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances, or

(iii) if earlier than the time which applies by virtue of paragraph (i) or (ii), at the end of the day before benefits become payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(4) The end of the period during which a deferred choice election decision may be made must not be more than one year before the day on which it is reasonably expected that, if a section 10 election were made, reformed scheme benefits would become payable to or in respect of M.

(5) A deferred choice decision made by M may be revoked—

(a) up to 10 working days before benefits become payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, and

(b) by M communicating to the scheme manager notice of the revocation in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager.

(6) Where the scheme manager receives notice that M has died before any benefits have become payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter—

(a) any deferred choice decision made by M lapses, and

(b) any period that has begun (whether or not it has also ended) in accordance with paragraph (3) is to be treated as never having begun (or ended).

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 13 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Deferred choice decision to be made by a person other than M N.I.

14.—(1) This regulation applies where a person other than M is the deferred choice decision-maker.

(2) A deferred choice decision may only be made during the period—

(a) beginning, where the deferred choice decision-maker is—

(i) a person other than the scheme manager, on the date a remedial service statement is issued under regulation 4(2)(c)(ii);

(ii) the scheme manager, on the date the scheme manager receives notice that M has died, and

(b) ending—

(i) at the end of the day 12 weeks after that date,

(ii) except where the scheme manager is the deferred choice decision-maker, at such other time as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances, or

(iii) if earlier than the time which applies under paragraph (i) or (ii), immediately after a deferred choice decision is made.

(3) A deferred choice decision made by a person other than M is irrevocable.

Commencement Information

I14 Reg. 14 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Deferred choice decision: additional requirements N.I.

15.  Where the deferred choice decision-maker (“ D”) is a person other than the scheme manager, a deferred choice decision is to be treated as having been made only if D provides any information specified in a written request from the scheme manager that is—

(a) information in D’s possession, or

(b) information which D can reasonably be expected to obtain.

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 15 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Deferred choice decision: deemed section 10 election N.I.

16.  Where—

(a) the end of the section 10 election period in relation to M has passed,

(b) no deferred choice decision has been made, and

(c) it appears to the scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, that the value of reformed scheme benefits payable if a section 10 election is made is greater than the value legacy scheme benefits payable if a section 10 election is not made,

a section 10 election is treated as having been made immediately before the end of the section 10 election period.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 16 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 4 N.I. Provision about divorce and dissolution arrangements

CHAPTER 1 N.I. Pension credit and pension debit members

SECTION 1 N.I. Application and interpretation of Chapter 1

Application and interpretation of Chapter 1 N.I.

17.—(1) This Chapter applies in relation to—

(a) a pension credit member (“C”),

(b) the corresponding pension debit member (“D”), and

(c) the pension sharing order by virtue of which C became a pension credit member in relation to D’s remediable service as a firefighter (the “relevant pension sharing order”).

(2) In this Chapter—

“appropriate person” means—

(a)

D, or

(b)

where D is deceased, D’s personal representatives;

“C” means the pension credit member mentioned in paragraph (1)(a);

“cash equivalent” means an amount calculated in accordance with regulations made under article 27 of WRP(NI)O 1999;

“corresponding pension debit member” means the remedy member referred to in sub-paragraph (c) of the definition of “pension credit member”;

“D” means the corresponding debit member mentioned in paragraph (1)(b);

“pension credit member” means a member of a firefighters‘ pension scheme who has rights under the scheme—

(a)

which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit(16);

(b)

which arise by virtue of a pension sharing order with a transfer day on or after 1st April 2015, and

(c)

the value of which was determined (to any extent) by reference to the value of benefits payable in respect of the remediable service as a firefighter of a remedy member;

“pension sharing order” means the order or provision by virtue of which article 26 of WRP(NI)O 1999 applies in relation to a pension credit member and the corresponding pension debit member;

“relevant pension sharing order” has the meaning given in paragraph (1)(c);

“remediable relevant benefits” means the benefits or future benefits described in article 26(4) and (5) of WRP(NI)O 1999 to which D is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights;

“remediable shareable rights” means D’s shareable rights secured by virtue of D’s remediable service as a firefighter during the period beginning on 1st April 2015 and ending on the earlier of—

(a)

the day before the transfer date, or

(b)

the last day of D’s remediable service as a firefighter;

“shareable rights” has the meaning given in article 24(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999;

“transfer day” means the day on which the relevant pension sharing order takes effect;

“valuation day” has the meaning given in article 26(7) of WRP(NI)O 1999.

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 17 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

SECTION 2 N.I. Pension sharing orders: information provided before 1st October 2023

Application and interpretation of Section 2 N.I.

18.—(1) This Section applies where, before 1st October 2023, the scheme manager has provided information for the purpose of determining amounts under article 26 of WRP(NI)O 1999 in respect of a remedy member’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(2) In this Section—

“alternative amount” has the meaning given in regulation 19;

“alternative reduction amount” and “alternative reduction amounts” have the meanings given in, respectively, regulation 22(3) and (4);

“alternative scheme”, in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that does not relate to mixed service, means—

(a)

where the initial scheme is D’s legacy scheme, the reformed scheme;

(b)

where the initial scheme is the reformed scheme, D’s legacy scheme;

“C’s pension account” has the meaning given in regulation 21(4);

“initial amount” means the total amount determined for the purposes of the relevant pension sharing order under article 26(2) and (3) of WRP(NI)O 1999 in relation to D’s remediable shareable rights;

“initial reduction amount” means the amount by which D’s remediable relevant benefits were reduced pursuant to the relevant pension sharing order;

“initial scheme”, in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that does not relate to mixed service, means the firefighters’ pension scheme in respect of which an initial amount or an initial reduction amount was determined;

“remediable credit adjustment” has the meaning given in regulation 20(2).

(3) for the purposes of this Section, a relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service if it specifies an appropriate amount in accordance with article 26(2) or (3) of WRP(NI)O 1999 by reference to the value of remediable relevant benefits to which D is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights secured in both D’s legacy scheme and the reformed scheme (and, accordingly, a relevant pension sharing order does not relate to mixed service if it specifies an appropriate amount by reference to remediable shareable rights secured in only one of those schemes).

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 18 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Meaning of “alternative amount” N.I.

19.—(1) “ Alternative amount” means—

(a) in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that does not relate to mixed service where an initial amount was determined under—

(i) article 26(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999 in relation to a percentage value to be transferred from the initial scheme, the amount that would have been determined applying the relevant percentage value under that article on the valuation day if the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the alternative scheme;

(ii) article 26(3) of WRP(NI)O 1999 in relation to an amount to be transferred from the initial scheme, the amount equal to the implied percentage of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day determined as if the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the alternative scheme;

(b) in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that relates to mixed service, the greater of—

(i) the legacy scheme amount, and

(ii) the reformed scheme amount.

(2) In paragraph (1)(b)—

“legacy scheme amount” means, where the initial amount was determined in relation to—

(a)

a percentage value to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount that would have been determined applying—

(i)

in relation to pre-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the legacy scheme percentage value, and

(ii)

in relation to post-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the reformed scheme percentage value,

under article 26(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999 on the valuation day if all of the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the legacy scheme;

(b)

an amount to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount equal to the implied percentage of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day determined as if all the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the legacy scheme;

“reformed scheme amount” means where the initial amount was determined under article 26(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999 in relation to—

(a)

a percentage value to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount that would have been determined applying—

(i)

in relation to pre-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the legacy scheme percentage value, and

(ii)

in relation to post-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the reformed scheme percentage value,

under that article on the valuation day if all of the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the reformed scheme;

(b)

an amount to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount equal to the implied percentage of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day determined as if all the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the reformed scheme.

(3) In this regulation—

“implied percentage” in relation to the value of benefits under a firefighter pension scheme, means the percentage that an initial amount determined under article 26(3) of WRP(NI)O 1999 represented of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits under that scheme on valuation day;

“legacy scheme percentage value” means the percentage value specified in a relevant pension sharing order in relation to D’s legacy scheme for the purpose of determining an amount under article 26(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999;

“post-taper date remediable relevant benefits” means remediable relevant benefits to which a corresponding pension debit member (“D”) is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights secured by virtue of D’s remediable service as a firefighter after D’s tapered protection closing date;

“pre-taper date remediable relevant benefits” means remediable relevant benefits to which D is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights secured by virtue of D’s remediable service as a firefighter on or before D’s tapered protection closing date;

“reformed scheme percentage value” means the percentage value specified in a relevant pension sharing order in relation to the reformed scheme for the purpose of determining an amount under article 26(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999;

“relevant percentage value” means—

(a)

where the relevant pension sharing order specifies a percentage value in relation to only the initial scheme for the purpose of determining an amount under article 26(2) of WRP(NI)O 1999, that percentage value;

(b)

otherwise, the percentage value that is specified in relation to the alternative scheme;

“tapered protection closing date”, in relation to D, has the meaning given in paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the 2015 Regulations.

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 19 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Information provided before 1st October 2023: calculating a remediable credit adjustment N.I.

20.—(1) The scheme manager must determine the alternative amount in relation to C’s pension credit—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023, and

(b) having consulted the scheme actuary.

(2) Where—

(a) the alternative amount is greater than the initial amount, or

(b) the relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service and the alternative amount is lower than the initial amount,

C’s pension account is subject to an adjustment (a “remediable credit adjustment”) equal to the difference.

(3) The scheme manager must, by the end of 30th September 2024, provide C with a statement setting out—

(a) the alternative amount,

(b) any remediable credit adjustment, and

(c) where regulation 21(4)(b) applies in relation to C, an explanation of the request that may be made in accordance with regulation 21(5) and the consequences of making, or not making, such a request.

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 20 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Information provided before 1st October 2023: applying a remediable credit adjustment N.I.

21.—(1) This regulation applies where C’s pension account is subject to a remediable credit adjustment.

(2) The scheme manager must adjust C’s pension account by an amount equal to the remediable credit adjustment.

(3) An adjustment made under paragraph (2) has effect as if it had been made on the transfer day.

(4) In this regulation, “C’s pension account” means, where C has, in relation to the relevant pension sharing order—

(a) a pension credit in only one firefighter pension scheme, C’s pension credit member account under that scheme;

(b) a pension credit in the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme—

(i) the pension account identified by C in a request made in accordance with paragraph (5), or

(ii) if no request is made in accordance with paragraph (5), C’s pension account under the legacy scheme.

(5) A request is made in accordance with this paragraph if—

(a) it is made in writing to the scheme manager for the purpose of paragraph (4)(b)(i),

(b) it is in a form determined by the scheme manager,

(c) it unambiguously identifies only one of C’s pension accounts, and

(d) it is received by the scheme manager by—

(i) the end of the day 6 months after the date the statement required by regulation 20(3) was provided to C, or

(ii) the end of such later day that the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances.

(6) A request made in accordance with paragraph (5) is irrevocable.

(7) Section 14(3) to (6) of PSPJOA 2022 applies in relation to C as it applies in relation to a member described in section 14(1) as if—

(a) a reference to a Chapter 1 legacy scheme were a reference to the firefighters’ pension scheme in which C has a pension credit;

(b) a reference to M’s remediable service in an employment or office were a reference to C’s pension credit;

(c) a reference to the effect, if any, of sections 2(1) and 6(4) were a reference to the effect, if any, of this regulation;

(d) the term “operative time” means the time at which the adjustment mentioned in paragraph (2) is made (disregarding paragraph (3)).

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 21 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Information provided before 1st October 2023: recalculating D’s reduction of benefit N.I.

22.—(1) This regulation applies where D’s remediable relevant benefits have been reduced by an initial reduction amount.

(2) The scheme manager must determine the alternative reduction amount or, where the relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service, the alternative reduction amounts, in relation to D’s remediable relevant benefits—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023, and

(b) having consulted the scheme actuary.

(3) Where the relevant pension sharing order does not relate to mixed service, the “alternative reduction amount” is such amount as the scheme manager considers appropriate having regard to—

(a) the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day as if they had been secured in the alternative scheme.

(b) the percentage value or the amount to be transferred specified in the relevant pension sharing order, and

(c) the provisions of articles 26 and 28 of WRP(NI)O 1999.

(4) Where the relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service, the “alternative reduction amounts” are such amounts as the scheme manager considers appropriate having regard to—

(a) the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day as if they had all been secured in—

(i) the legacy scheme, and separately,

(ii) the reformed scheme, and

(b) the matters mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) and (c).

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 22 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

SECTION 3 N.I. Information provided on or after 1st October 2023

Application and interpretation of Section 3 N.I.

23.—(1) This Section applies where, on or after 1st October 2023, the scheme manager provides information for the purpose of determining amounts under article 26 of WRP(NI)O 1999 in respect of a remedy member’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(2) In this Section—

“alternative reduction amount” has the meaning given in regulation 25(3);

“appropriate amount” means an amount calculated for the purposes of article 26(1) of WRP(NI)O 1999;

“immediate choice pensioner member” means an immediate choice member who is, immediately before these Regulations come into operation, a pensioner member in relation to their remediable service as a firefighter;

“legacy scheme cash equivalent” has the meaning given in regulation 24(2)(a);

“reformed scheme cash equivalent” has the meaning given in regulation 24(2)(b).

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 23 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Information provided on or after 1st October 2023: calculation of pension credits and debits N.I.

24.—(1) This regulation applies where D is—

(a) a deferred choice member and no pension benefits have become payable in relation to D’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(b) an immediate choice pension member, and—

(i) the end of the section 6 election period in relation to D has not passed, and

(ii) no immediate choice decision has been made in relation to D’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(2) For the purpose of calculating the appropriate amount, the scheme manager must determine—

(a) the cash equivalent of D’s remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day as if those remediable relevant benefits were in D’s legacy scheme (“the legacy scheme cash equivalent”), and

(b) the cash equivalent of those benefits on valuation day as if they were in the reformed scheme (“the reformed scheme cash equivalent”).

(3) For the purpose of calculating the pension credit and the pension debit, the scheme manager must use the greater of—

(a) the legacy scheme cash equivalent, or

(b) the reformed scheme cash equivalent.

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 24 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Information provided on or after 1st October 2023: recalculating D’s reduction of benefit N.I.

25.—(1) This regulation applies where D’s remediable relevant benefits are to be reduced in relation to a pension debit calculated under regulation 24(3).

(2) The scheme manager must determine the alternative reduction amount in relation to D’s remediable relevant benefits—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after the transfer date, and

(b) having consulted the scheme actuary.

(3) The “alternative reduction amount” is such amount as the scheme manager considers appropriate having regard to—

(a) the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on valuation day as if they had been remediable relevant benefits secured in—

(i) where the pension debit mentioned in paragraph (1) was calculated on the basis of the legacy scheme cash equivalent, the reformed scheme;

(ii) where the pension debit was calculated on the basis of the reformed scheme cash equivalent, the legacy scheme;

(b) the percentage value or the amount to be transferred specified in the relevant pension sharing order, and

(c) the provisions of articles 26 and 28 of WRP(NI)O 1999.

Commencement Information

I25 Reg. 25 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 2 N.I. Arrangements on divorce, annulment or dissolution other than a pension sharing order

Arrangements other than a pension sharing order: calculating the value of pension benefits N.I.

26.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) the value of the remediable rights of a member (“M”) must be determined for the purpose of proceedings connected to M’s divorce, annulment or the dissolution of M’s civil partnership,

(b) the divorce, annulment or dissolution is to take effect—

(i) on or after 1st October 2023, and

(ii) before the earlier of—

(aa) a decision taking effect in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(bb) the end of the relevant election period, and

(c) the value of M’s remediable rights is not to be subject to a pension sharing order.

(2) The value of M’s remediable rights for the purpose of the proceedings is the greater of those rights valued by the scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, as if they were—

(a) secured in M’s legacy scheme, or

(b) secured in the reformed scheme.

(3) In this regulation—

“decision” means an immediate choice decision or a deferred choice decision;

“pension sharing order” means an order or provision by virtue of which article 26 of WRP(NI)O 1999 applies in relation to M’s remediable rights;

“relevant election period” means, where M is—

(a)

a deferred choice member, the section 10 election period in relation to M;

(b)

an immediate choice member, the section 6 election period in relation to M;

“remediable rights” means the rights secured by virtue of M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

Commencement Information

I26 Reg. 26 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 5 N.I. Voluntary contributions

Treatment of reformed scheme added pension payments N.I.

27.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a remediable added pension payment made by a remedy member ( “M”).

(2) The scheme manager must, as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023 and having consulted the scheme actuary, determine the “compensatable amount”, being an amount by way of compensation which is equal to—

(a) the aggregate of all of M’s remediable added pension payments, less

(b) an amount in respect of the value of tax relief in accordance with directions 5(5) to (9) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.

(3) Where a determination is made in accordance with direction 5(8) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the following apply—

(a) direction 5(10) (provision of explanation);

(b) direction 5(11) and (12) (appeals).

(4) The scheme manager owes to M or, where M is deceased, M’s personal representatives the compensatable amount.

(5) The rights to benefits that would otherwise have been secured by the remediable added pension payment are extinguished.

(6) Where a person has received any pension benefits under the reformed scheme by virtue of rights secured by a remediable added pension payment, that person owes to the scheme manager an amount equal to the aggregate of all such pension benefits.

(7) In this regulation, “remediable added pension payment” means—

(a) a periodical payment for added pension made under an arrangement pursuant to Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the 2015 Regulations which commenced during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter;

(b) a lump sum payment for added pension made pursuant to Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the 2015 Regulations during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

Commencement Information

I27 Reg. 27 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Treatment of legacy scheme added years payments N.I.

28.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a remediable added years payment made by a remedy member ( “M”).

(2) The scheme manager must, as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023 and having consulted the scheme actuary, determine the “compensatable amount”, being an amount by way of compensation which is equal to—

(a) the aggregate of all of M’s remediable added years payments, less

(b) an amount in respect of the value of tax relief in accordance with directions 5(5) to (9) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.

(3) Where a determination is made in accordance with direction 5(8) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the following apply—

(a) direction 5(10) (provision of explanation);

(b) direction 5(11) and (12) (appeals).

(4) Where, by virtue of a section 6 election (including a deemed section 6 election) or a section 10 election, the benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter are reformed scheme benefits—

(a) the scheme manager owes M or, where M is deceased, M’s personal representatives the compensatable amount, and

(b) the rights to benefits that would otherwise have been secured by the remediable added years payment are extinguished.

(5) In this regulation, a “remediable added years payment” means a payment to secure increased benefits under the FPS or the NFPS which is—

(a) a lump sum payment made during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter,

(b) a periodical contribution made pursuant to an arrangement which commenced during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(c) a lump sum payment or a periodical contribution made pursuant to a remediable arrangement under regulation 29.

Commencement Information

I28 Reg. 28 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Remediable arrangements to pay voluntary contributions to secure legacy scheme added years N.I.

29.—(1) This regulation applies to a remedy member (“ M”) who—

(a) is not a deceased member, and

(b) was, immediately before 1st April 2022, not a full protection member of the FPS or the NFPS within the meaning of paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the 2015 Regulations.

(2) M may elect to enter into an arrangement (a “remediable arrangement”) to pay voluntary contributions to M’s legacy scheme for added benefits in accordance with—

(a) where M’s legacy scheme is—

(i) the FPS;

(ii) the NFPS, and

(b) this regulation.

(3) M may only enter into a remediable arrangement—

(a) in respect of a period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter,

(b) if the scheme manager is satisfied that it is more likely than not that, but for a relevant breach of a non-discrimination rule, M would, during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter, have entered into the same or a similar arrangement,

(c) before—

(i) the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is first provided in respect of M, or

(ii) such later time as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances, and

(d) after an application made in accordance with paragraph (4) is approved by the scheme manager.

(4) An application is made in accordance with this paragraph where—

(a) it is in writing in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager,

(b) it is accompanied by any information the scheme manager reasonably requires to be provided for the purposes of—

(i) determining the matters mentioned in paragraph (3)(b);

(ii) complying with any requirement imposed by the FPS or (as the case may be) the NFPS in connection with making an election to pay voluntary contributions for added benefits, and

(c) it is received by the scheme manager—

(i) before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is first provided in respect of M, or

(ii) such later time as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances.

(5) Where M enters into a remediable arrangement, M owes to the scheme manager an amount equal to—

(a) the aggregate of the voluntary contributions which M would have owed had M entered into the remediable arrangement at the time M would have entered into the same or a similar arrangement but for a relevant breach of a non-discrimination rule, less

(b) tax relief amounts calculated in accordance with direction 12(2) to (7) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.

(6) Where a determination is made in accordance with direction 12(6) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the following apply—

(a) direction 12(8) (provision of explanation);

(b) direction 12(9) and (10) (appeals).

Commencement Information

I29 Reg. 29 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Disapplication of restriction on lump sum payments for reformed scheme added pension N.I.

30.  Paragraph 5(5) of Schedule 1 to the 2015 Regulations does not apply in relation to an option to make a lump sum payment for added pension that was exercised by a remedy member during the period beginning on 1st April 2022 and ending at the end of 31st March 2023.

Commencement Information

I30 Reg. 30 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 6 N.I. Transfers

CHAPTER 1 N.I. General

Interpretation of Part 6 N.I.

31.—(1) In this Part—

“public service pension scheme” means—

(a)

a Chapter 1 scheme(17);

(b)

a judicial scheme within the meaning of section 70(1) of PSPJOA 2022;

(c)

a local government scheme within the meaning of section 86(1) of PSPJOA 2022;

“receiving scheme”, in relation to a remediable value, means the scheme to which the remediable value was, or is to be, paid;

“remediable club transfer value”, in relation to a member, means the payment or acceptance by the scheme manager of—

(a)

a transfer value payment under interchange arrangements in accordance with Part F of the FPS;

(b)

a transfer value payment under the public sector transfer arrangements in accordance with Part 10 or Part 11 of the NFPS;

(c)

a club transfer value payment under Part 10 of the 2015 Regulations,

so far as the transfer value relates to the member’s remediable rights;

“remediable rights”, in relation to a member, means the member’s rights to benefits under a public service pension scheme secured by virtue of the member’s remediable service;

“remediable transfer value”, in relation to a member, means the payment or acceptance by the scheme manager of a transfer value other than a remediable club transfer value under—

(a)

Part F of the FPS;

(b)

Part 10 or Part 11 of the NFPS;

(c)

Part 10 of the 2015 Regulations,

so far as the transfer value relates to the member’s remediable rights;

“remediable value” means, except in Chapter 4, a remediable club transfer value or a remediable transfer value;

“sending scheme”, in relation to a remediable value, means the scheme which paid, or is to pay, the remediable value.

(2) In this Part, the overall rights in relation to a remediable value in the legacy scheme are—

(a) where the member’s legacy scheme would have permitted the transfer in of the entire remediable value (including, where relevant, any payment accepted under regulation 34(3) or any adjustment accepted under regulation 39(2)) had the transfer taken place immediately before 1st April 2022, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme;

(b) otherwise, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if that portion of the remediable value that the legacy scheme would have permitted to be transferred in had been transferred into that scheme, together with—

(i) where the member has service in an employment or office on or after 1st April 2022 which is pensionable service under the reformed scheme (“relevant reformed scheme service”), the rights to reformed scheme benefits if the remaining portion of the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme;

(ii) where the member does not have relevant reformed scheme service, the right to payment of an amount by way of compensation equal to the value of rights to reformed scheme benefits if the remaining portion of the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme.

(3) Where a provision of this Part requires the scheme manager to calculate a club transfer value or a transfer value (including a remediable club transfer value or a remediable transfer value) in relation to rights secured in a firefighters’ pension scheme, that value is to be calculated in accordance with—

(a) the provisions of the firefighters’ pension scheme which apply to the calculation of values of that type, and

(b) the guidance and tables provided for the purpose of calculating such values that were, or are, in use on the date used for the calculation of the value which originally secured rights under a firefighters’ pension scheme.

Commencement Information

I31 Reg. 31 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Transferred out remediable service statements N.I.

32.  Where a remedy member has transferred any rights in respect of remediable service out of a firefighters’ pension scheme, the scheme manager must provide a transferred out remediable service statement in accordance with direction 6(2) to (4) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 (and direction 6(4) applies as if the reference to “any provision made by virtue of section 29(1) of PSPJOA 2022” were a reference to regulation 4).

Commencement Information

I32 Reg. 32 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 2 N.I. Transfers on a cash equivalent basis

SECTION 1 N.I. Transfers before 1st October 2023

Transfers out before 1st October 2023 N.I.

33.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a member (“ M”) in respect of whom the scheme manager paid a remediable transfer value before 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must calculate the transfer value of M’s remediable rights as if they were secured in—

(a) M’s legacy scheme;

(b) the reformed scheme.

(3) The scheme manager must notify the receiving scheme of the results of the calculation mentioned in paragraph (2).

(4) Where the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2) (“x”) is greater than the amount of the remediable transfer value (“y“), the scheme manager must take reasonable steps to pay the receiving scheme an amount (“the remediable amount”) equal to x - y.

(5) A payment made under paragraph (4) is subject to the same conditions as the remediable transfer value.

(6) Where—

(a) paragraph (4) applies, and

(b) the scheme manager, having taken reasonable steps, is unable to make the payment required by that paragraph,

the scheme manager owes M or, where M is deceased, M’s personal representatives an amount by way of compensation equal to x – y (“the compensatable amount”) reduced in accordance with paragraph (7).

(7) Where, if the compensatable amount was paid immediately after the requirement to pay it arose, the payment—

(a) would be a payment described in regulation 6 of the Registered Pension Schemes (Authorised Payments) Regulations 2009(18) (“the 2009 Regulations”) as if regulation 6(1)(a) of those Regulations were omitted, the compensatable amount is to be reduced by the amount equal to the income tax that would be chargeable on it as if regulation 3(b) of the 2009 Regulations applied to it;

(b) would not be a payment so described, the compensatable amount is to be reduced by an amount equal to the income tax that would be charged on the amount at M’s marginal rate under the Income Tax Acts.

Commencement Information

I33 Reg. 33 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Transfers in before 1st October 2023 N.I.

34.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to each payment of a remediable transfer value in respect of a member (“ M”) which was accepted by the scheme manager before 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must determine M’s—

(a) overall rights in relation to the remediable transfer value in the legacy scheme;

(b) benefits if the remediable transfer value, together with any payment accepted under paragraph (4), were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.

(3) Where the sending scheme was a public service pension scheme, the scheme manager may accept a payment—

(a) in respect of the remediable rights to which the remediable transfer value relates, and

(b) which is made by the sending scheme pursuant to, or to provision made under, PSPJOA 2022.

(4) A payment accepted under paragraph (3) is to be used for the purpose of determining M’s benefits under a firefighters’ pension scheme on the same terms as the remediable transfer value.

Commencement Information

I34 Reg. 34 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

SECTION 2 N.I. Transfers on or after 1st October 2023

Application of Section 2 N.I.

35.  This Section applies in respect of a member (“ M”) who is—

(a) a deferred choice member, and no pension benefits have become payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, or

(b) an immediate choice member, and—

(i) the end of the section 6 election period has not passed in relation to M, and

(ii) no immediate choice decision has been made in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

Commencement Information

I35 Reg. 35 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Transfers out on or after 1st October 2023 N.I.

36.—(1) This regulation applies to a remediable transfer value to be paid in relation to M by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must calculate the transfer value of M’s remediable rights as if those rights had been in—

(a) M’s legacy scheme;

(b) the reformed scheme.

(3) The amount of the remediable transfer value is the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2).

Commencement Information

I36 Reg. 36 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Transfers in from a public service pension scheme on or after 1st October 2023 N.I.

37.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a remediable transfer value—

(a) which is accepted by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023, and

(b) where the sending scheme is a public service pension scheme.

(2) The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must determine—

(a) M’s overall rights in relation to the remediable transfer value in the legacy scheme;

(b) M’s benefits if the remediable transfer value were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.

Commencement Information

I37 Reg. 37 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 3 N.I. Transfers on a club basis

SECTION 1 N.I. Club transfers before 1st October 2023

Club transfers out before 1st October 2023 N.I.

38.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to each member (“ M”) in respect of whom a remediable club transfer value was paid by the scheme manager before 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager, must calculate the following amounts—

(a) the club transfer value of M’s rights under a firefighters’ pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in M’s legacy scheme;

(b) the club transfer value of M’s rights under a firefighters’ pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in the reformed scheme.

(3) The scheme manager must provide to the receiving scheme the result of the calculations mentioned in paragraph (2).

(4) Where the receiving scheme is a local government scheme (within the meaning of section 86(1) of PSPJOA 2022) and the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2) (“x”) is greater than the amount of the remediable club transfer value (“y”), the scheme manager must pay the receiving scheme an amount equal to x - y.

(5) A payment made under paragraph (4) is subject to the same conditions as the remediable club transfer value.

Commencement Information

I38 Reg. 38 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Club transfers in before 1st October 2023 N.I.

39.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to each remediable club transfer value in respect of a member (“ M”) which was accepted by the scheme manager before 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager may accept an adjustment in the value of a remediable club transfer value—

(a) in respect of the remediable rights to which the remediable club transfer value relates, and

(b) which is made by the sending scheme pursuant to, or to provision made under, PSPJOA 2022.

(3) An adjustment accepted under paragraph (2) is to be used for the purpose of determining M’s benefits under a firefighters’ pension scheme on the same terms as the remediable club transfer value.

(4) The scheme manager, must determine—

(a) M’s overall rights in relation to the remediable transfer value in the legacy scheme;

(b) M’s benefits if the remediable club transfer value, together with any adjustment accepted under paragraph (2), were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.

Commencement Information

I39 Reg. 39 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

SECTION 2 N.I. Club transfers on or after 1st October 2023

Application of Section 2 N.I.

40.  This Section applies in respect of a deferred choice member (“ M”), and no pension benefits have become payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

Commencement Information

I40 Reg. 40 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Club transfers out on or after 1st October 2023 N.I.

41.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a remediable club transfer value to be paid in respect of a member by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager, must calculate the following amounts—

(a) the club transfer value of M’s rights under a firefighters’ pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in M’s legacy scheme;

(b) the club transfer value of M’s rights under a firefighters’ pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in the reformed scheme.

(3) The amount of the remediable club transfer value is the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2).

(4) The scheme manager must provide to the receiving scheme the result of the calculations mentioned in paragraph (2).

Commencement Information

I41 Reg. 41 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Club transfers in on or after 1st October 2023 N.I.

42.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a remediable club transfer value payment which is accepted by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023.

(2) The scheme manager, must determine—

(a) M’s overall rights in relation to the remediable club transfer value in the legacy scheme;

(b) M’s benefits if the remediable club transfer value were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.

Commencement Information

I42 Reg. 42 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

SECTION 3 N.I. Variation of the club transfer application period

Variation of the club transfer application period N.I.

43.  Regulation 149(3) of the 2015 Regulations applies in relation to—

(a) a remedy member who is not a full protection member within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations, and

(b) a transfer payment request for a club transfer value payment in respect of such a member,

as if for “the day on which the member becomes an active member” there were substituted “1st October 2023”.

Commencement Information

I43 Reg. 43 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 4 N.I. Treatment of rights secured by virtue of a remediable value

Application and interpretation of Chapter 4 N.I.

44.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a remediable value.

(2) In this Chapter, “remediable value” means the following accepted by the scheme manager in respect of a member (“M”)—

(a) a remediable transfer value, together with any payment accepted under regulation 34(3);

(b) a remediable club transfer value, together with any payment accepted under regulation 39(2).

Commencement Information

I44 Reg. 44 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Remediable value treated as being in the legacy scheme N.I.

45.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) a remediable value was accepted into the reformed scheme by the scheme manager in respect of M during the period of M’s remediable service as a firefighter, and

(b) the benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter are, by virtue of the operation of these Regulations or PSPJOA 2022, legacy scheme benefits.

(2) The remediable value—

(a) is not, and is treated as never having been, accepted into the reformed scheme, and

(b) is treated as being, and as always having been, accepted in M’s legacy scheme.

(3) Paragraph (1) has effect—

(a) for the purposes of determining which firefighters’ pension scheme is (or at any time was) required to pay benefits to or in respect of the remediable value, and

(b) subject to regulation 46, for all other purposes.

Commencement Information

I45 Reg. 45 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Treatment of rights to benefits secured by virtue of a remediable value N.I.

46.—(1) Paragraphs (2) and (4) apply where a remediable value is treated as being accepted into M’s legacy scheme by virtue of regulation 45.

(2) The scheme manager must confer rights to benefits under the legacy scheme in relation to the remediable value that are equivalent to—

(a) where M’s legacy scheme would have permitted the transfer in of the entire remediable value had the transfer taken place immediately before 1st April 2022, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted;

(b) otherwise—

(i) where M has relevant reformed scheme service (within the meaning of regulation 31(2)(b)(i)), the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if that portion of the remediable value that the legacy scheme would have permitted to be transferred in were transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted, together with the rights to reformed scheme benefits if the remaining portion of the remediable value had been transferred into the reformed scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted;

(ii) where M does not have relevant reformed scheme service, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if that portion of the remediable value that the legacy scheme would have permitted to be transferred in were transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted.

(3) Where paragraph (2)(b)(ii) applies, the scheme manager owes to M or, where M is deceased, to M’s personal representatives an amount by way of compensation equal to the value of rights to reformed scheme benefits that would have been secured if the portion of the remediable value that M’s legacy scheme would not have permitted to be transferred in had been transferred into the reformed scheme.

(4) The rights to benefits that would otherwise have been secured by the remediable value are extinguished.

(5) Paragraph (6) applies where—

(a) the benefits payable to or in respect of M’s remediable service as a firefighter are reformed scheme benefits by virtue of a section 6 election or a section 10 election (including, in either case, a deemed election), and

(b) the rights to benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable value would otherwise be legacy scheme benefits.

(6) Where this paragraph applies, the scheme manager must, having consulted the scheme actuary where the remediable value is a remediable transfer value, vary the value of those rights so that they are of an equivalent value to rights M would have secured under the reformed scheme if the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year that the remediable value was accepted.

(7) In this regulation, “relevant pension year” has the meaning given by direction 5(16)(c) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.

Commencement Information

I46 Reg. 46 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Benefits already paid in relation to transferred in remediable rights N.I.

47.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies in relation to any benefits (“the paid benefits”) that the reformed scheme has at any time paid to a person (“ P”) so far as—

(a) they are calculated by reference to a remediable value, and

(b) they are benefits that, as a result of regulation 45(2)(a), P was not entitled to receive from the scheme.

(2) The paid benefits are to be treated for all purposes—

(a) as not having been paid to P by the reformed scheme, but

(b) as having been paid to P instead by the legacy scheme.

Commencement Information

I47 Reg. 47 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Pension benefits and lump sum benefits in relation to a remediable value N.I.

48.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to any benefits that have been in relation to a remediable value accepted in relation to an immediate choice member.

(2) Where, at the operative time—

(a) the aggregate of benefits that (after taking into account the effect, if any, of regulation 47) have been paid under the legacy scheme to any person (“the beneficiary”) in respect of M’s transferred in remediable rights, exceeds

(b) the aggregate of the benefits to which (after taking into account the effect, if any, of regulation 45 in relation to the rights) the beneficiary is entitled under the scheme in respect of the rights,

the beneficiary must pay an amount equal to the difference to the scheme.

(3) Where, at the operative time—

(a) the amount mentioned in paragraph (2)(a), is less than

(b) the amount mentioned in paragraph (2)(b),

the scheme manager must pay an amount equal to the difference to the beneficiary.

(4) In this regulation, “the operative time” means—

(a) if an immediate choice decision is made in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, the time the decision is made;

(b) otherwise, the end of the section 6 election period in relation to M.

Commencement Information

I48 Reg. 48 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 7 N.I. Provision about special cases

CHAPTER 1 N.I. Ill-health retirement

Application and interpretation of Chapter 1 N.I.

49.  In this Chapter—

“FPS IHR member” means a member entitled to an ill-health award under article 15 of the FPS;

“NFPS IHR member” means a member entitled to an ill-health pension under article 12 of the NFPS;

“2015 IHR member” means a member entitled to an ill-health pension under regulation 73 of the 2015 Regulations;

“alternative scheme” means, in relation to—

(a)

a FPS IHR member or a NFPS IHR member, the reformed scheme;

(b)

a 2015 IHR member, the member’s legacy scheme;

“higher tier award” means, in relation to—

(a)

the FPS, an award determined in accordance with article 15(5)(b) of the FPS;

(b)

the NFPS, an award determined in accordance with article 12(4) of the NFPS;

(c)

the reformed scheme, an ill-health pension payable under regulation 73(2) of the 2015 Regulations

“ill-health benefits” means benefits payable by virtue of an entitlement mentioned in paragraph (1);

“IQMP” has the same meaning given in regulation 3 of the 2015 Regulations;

“lower tier award” means, in relation to—

(a)

the FPS, an award determined in accordance with article 15(5)(a) of the FPS;

(b)

the NFPS, an award determined in accordance with article 12(3) of the NFPS;

(c)

the reformed scheme, an ill-health pension payable under regulation 73(1) of the 2015 Regulations.

“remediable ill-health benefits” means ill-health benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

Commencement Information

I49 Reg. 49 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

M’s entitlement to ill-health benefits to be treated as equivalent in M’s alternative scheme N.I.

50.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to an immediate choice member (“ M”) who, during the period beginning on 1st April 2015 and ending on 31st March 2022 was—

(a) a NFPS IHR member;

(b) a 2015 IHR member.

(2) For the purposes of PSPJOA 2022 and these Regulations, M is to be treated as meeting the requirements for an equivalent ill-health award in M’s alternative scheme.

(3) In paragraph (2), “equivalent ill-health award in M’s alternative scheme” means, where M is entitled to—

(a) a lower tier award under the NFPS, a lower tier award under the reformed scheme;

(b) a higher tier award under the NFPS, a higher tier award under the reformed scheme;

(c) a lower tier award under the reformed scheme, and—

(i) M’s legacy scheme is the FPS, a lower tier award under that scheme;

(ii) M’s legacy scheme is the NFPS, a lower tier award under that scheme;

(d) a higher tier award under the reformed scheme, and—

(i) M’s legacy scheme is the FPS, a higher tier award under that scheme;

(ii) M’s legacy scheme is the NFPS, a higher tier award under that scheme.

(4) No question relating to M’s entitlement to ill-health benefits that has been decided following referral to an IQMP is to be re-opened by virtue of any provision of PSPJOA 2022 or of these Regulations.

Commencement Information

I50 Reg. 50 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Entitlement to ill-health benefits where a remedy member’s legacy scheme is the FPS N.I.

51.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies where—

(a) A remedy member (“M”) is a FPS IHR member, and

(b) M’s entitlement to an ill-health award has not been assessed under regulation 73 of the 2015 Regulations.

(2) The scheme manager must obtain the opinion of an IQMP on the following questions—

(a) whether M would, at the time of the original decision, have met the criteria to be entitled to a lower tier award under the reformed scheme, and

(b) whether M would, at the time of the original decision, have met the criteria to be entitled to a higher tier award under the reformed scheme.

(3) Paragraph (4) applies where—

(a) a remedy member’s (“M”) legacy scheme is the FPS,

(b) M’s entitlement to an ill-health award was assessed under regulation 73 of the 2015 Regulations,

(c) it is determined in accordance with that regulation that—

(i) M was not entitled to a lower tier award, or

(ii) M was entitled to a lower tier award but was not entitled to a higher tier award, and

(d) M is a deferred or pensioner member of the reformed scheme.

(4) The scheme manager must obtain the opinion of an IQMP on the following questions—

(a) where it was determined that M was not entitled to a lower tier award—

(i) whether M would, at the time of the original decision, have met the criteria to be entitled to a lower tier award under the FPS, and

(ii) whether M would, at the time of the original decision, have met the criteria to be entitled to a higher tier ill-health award under the FPS;

(b) where it is determined that M was entitled to a lower tier award but not to a higher tier award, whether M would, at the time of the original decision, have met the criteria to be entitled to a higher tier ill-health award under the FPS.

(5) The IQMP who is to provide an opinion on a question in accordance with this regulation must—

(a) examine or interview M if the IQMP thinks it is necessary to provide an opinion on the question, and,

(b) give the scheme manager and M a written opinion containing a decision on the question.

(6) For the purpose of providing an opinion in accordance with this regulation and subject to paragraph (5)(a), the IQMP may only have regard to information that was available or could have been produced at the time of the original decision.

(7) The scheme manager must determine whether M is entitled to an ill-health award, and the provisions of Part 12 of the 2015 Regulations apply to —

(a) a determination under this paragraph as if it were a determination under regulation 161 of those Regulations, and

(b) an opinion of the IQMP obtained under this regulation as if it were an opinion of the IQMP obtained in accordance with that Part.

(8) Where it is determined that M is entitled to an ill-health award M is to be treated for the purposes of PSPJOA 2022 and of these Regulations as being entitled to that ill-health award from the time of the original decision.

(9) In this regulation, “original decision” means—

(a) for the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), the decision under Part H of the FPS by virtue of which M became entitled to an ill-health award under the FPS;

(b) for the purposes of paragraphs (3) and (4), the decision under Chapter 4 of Part 5 of the 2015 Regulations by virtue of which it was determined that M was not entitled to a lower tier award or, as the case may be, a higher tier award under the reformed scheme.

Commencement Information

I51 Reg. 51 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Assessment and reassessment of certain transitional ill-health cases N.I.

52.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) a remedy member (“M”) was, immediately before 1st April 2022, not a full protection member of the FPS or a full protection member of the NFPS,

(b) an assessment (“the transitional assessment”) of M’s entitlement to an ill-health award under the reformed scheme began before 1st April 2022, and

(c) a determination had not been made by the scheme manager in relation to the transitional assessment by the end of 31st March 2022.

(2) Where the transitional assessment has not been determined before 1st October 2023, the scheme manager must secure that—

(a) the transitional assessment is undertaken on the basis that M’s normal pension age is 55, and

(b) any steps in relation to the transitional assessment the outcome of which might have been different had they been taken on the basis that M’s normal pension age is 55 are retaken.

(3) Paragraph (4) applies where—

(a) the transitional assessment has been determined before 1st October 2023, and

(b) it was determined that—

(i) M was not entitled to a lower tier award in the reformed scheme, or

(ii) M was entitled to a lower tier award in the reformed scheme, but not a higher tier award in that scheme.

(4) Where this paragraph applies, the scheme manager must secure that—

(a) M is assessed for entitlement to a relevant award under the reformed scheme on the basis that M’s normal pension age is 55, and

(b) M is treated as if the transitional assessment had not been undertaken so far as it relates to the relevant award.

(5) In this regulation—

“full protection member of the FPS” means a full protection member of the FPS within the meaning of paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the 2015 Regulations;

“full protection member of the NFPS” means a full protection member of the NFPS within the meaning of paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the 2015 Regulations;

“relevant award” means—

(a)

where paragraph (3)(b)(i) applies, a lower tier award and a higher tier award;

(b)

where paragraph (3)(b)(ii) apples, a higher tier award.

Commencement Information

I52 Reg. 52 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 2 N.I. Miscellaneous special cases

Protection of the amount of pension payable to an eligible child N.I.

53.—(1) This regulation apples where—

(a) immediately before 1st October 2023, benefits are in payment to an eligible child (“E”) in respect of the remediable service as a firefighter of a deceased member,

(b) there is a surviving partner (“S”) within the meaning of paragraph 1(1) of the Schedule in relation to the deceased member,

(c) S does not have parental responsibility for E, and

(d) S makes an immediate choice decision which would (disregarding this regulation) result in a decrease in the amount of benefits payable to E in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter.

(2) Where this regulation applies—

(a) E does not owe the scheme manager a liability under section 14(3) of PSPJOA 2022 in respect of benefits received in relation to M’s remediable service as a firefighter, and

(b) the amount of benefits payable continues to be the amount that was payable before the election was made.

Commencement Information

I53 Reg. 53 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Payment of annual allowance tax charges and provision of information N.I.

54.  Where a remedy member is unable to give an effective notice to the scheme administrator under section 237B(3) of FA 2004(19) in relation to an in-scope tax year (within the meaning of direction 7(7) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023) because the time limit in section 237BA(20) has passed, direction 7(2) to (6) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 applies in relation to the remedy member.

Commencement Information

I54 Reg. 54 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 8 N.I. Immediate detriment cases

Treatment of immediate detriment cases N.I.

55.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to a person’s (“A’s”) remediable service as a firefighter where an immediate detriment remedy has been obtained in relation to that service by virtue of either of the conditions in section 32(2) and (3) (the “relevant condition”) of PSPJOA 2022 having been met.

(2) These Regulations and sections 2 to 30 of PSPJOA 2022 apply in relation to A’s remediable service as a firefighter as they apply in relation to an immediate choice member in respect of whose remediable as a firefighter service an immediate choice decision has been made that no section 6 election is to be made.

(3) Any amount paid by way of benefits or compensation pursuant to the agreement or (as the case may be) determination by virtue of which the relevant condition has been met is to be treated for the purposes of section 14 of PSPJOA as—

(a) a lump sum benefit, if the amount was paid by way of a lump sum;

(b) a pension benefit, if the amount was paid otherwise than by way of a lump sum.

Commencement Information

I55 Reg. 55 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

PART 9 N.I. Liabilities and payment

CHAPTER 1 N.I. Application of Part 9

Application of Chapters 1, 2 and 3 N.I.

56.  Chapters 1, 2 and 3 apply in relation to a relevant amount(21) owed in respect of the remediable service as a firefighter of a remedy member.

Commencement Information

I56 Reg. 56 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 2 N.I. Interest, compensation and netting off

Interest N.I.

57.—(1) The scheme manager must calculate interest on a relevant amount described in direction 15 of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 in accordance with the provisions of directions 14 and 15 which apply to that description of relevant amount.

(2) In relation to a relevant amount not described in direction 15 of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the scheme manager must determine whether interest is paid and, if so, what rate of interest applies and how it is calculated.

(3) The following provisions of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 apply in relation to a determination under paragraph (2) as if it were a determination under direction 16(1) of those Directions—

(a) direction 16(2) (provision of explanation);

(b) direction 16(3) and (4) (appeals).

Commencement Information

I57 Reg. 57 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Indirect compensation N.I.

58.—(1) This regulation applies where, pursuant to an application under regulation 59, the scheme manager determines that an immediate choice member (“ M”) has incurred a compensatable loss(22) that is a Part 4 tax loss(23) (a “relevant loss”).

(2) M is not to be paid an amount under section 23 of PSPJOA 2022 by way of compensation in respect of the relevant loss.

(3) Instead, the amount of benefit payable under a firefighters’ pension scheme is to be increased to reflect the amount of the relevant loss in such manner as determined by the scheme manager in accordance with direction 10(2) to (4) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.

Commencement Information

I58 Reg. 58 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Applications for compensation or indirect compensation N.I.

59.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to—

(a) the payment of a relevant amount by way of compensation under section 23(1) of PSPJOA 2022;

(b) the increase of benefits by way of indirect compensation under regulation 58.

(2) The relevant amount is not payable, or (as the case may be) the benefits are not to be increased, except where—

(a) an application is made in accordance with direction 18(1) and (2) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023,

(b) the application is accompanied by such information that the scheme manager by written notice require the person making the application (“P”) to provide in relation to the proposed compensation which is—

(i) information within P’s possession, or

(ii) information which P may reasonably be expected to obtain, and

(c) the scheme manager makes a determination in accordance with direction 18(3) of those Directions.

(3) The following apply in relation to a determination under direction 18(3) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023—

(a) direction 18(4) (provision of explanation);

(b) direction 18(5) and (6) (appeals).

Commencement Information

I59 Reg. 59 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Netting off N.I.

60.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) relevant amounts owed by and to a person (“P”) fall to be paid at the same time or similar times, and

(b) the scheme manager has—

(i) determined the interest (if any) that is to be paid in the relevant amounts in accordance with regulation 57, and

(ii) reduced the relevant amounts by tax relief amounts in accordance with regulation 61.

(2) The scheme manager may determine, in accordance with direction 19(2) to (5) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, that the relevant amounts (and any interest on them) must be aggregated and that the difference must be paid by P to the scheme or (as the case may be) by the scheme to P.

(3) The following provisions of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 apply to a determination under paragraph (2) as if it were a determination under direction 19(1) of those Directions—

(a) direction 19(6) (provision of information);

(b) direction 19(7) and (8) (appeals).

Commencement Information

I60 Reg. 60 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 3 N.I. Reduction and waiver of liabilities

Requirement to reduce liabilities by tax relief amounts N.I.

61.—(1) This regulation applies where under section 15, 16 or 17 of PSPJOA 2022—

(a) a person owes a liability to pay pension contributions in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter of a remedy member, or

(b) the scheme manager owes a liability to pay compensation in relation to such service.

(2) The scheme manager must reduce the liability by tax relief amounts—

(a) determined in accordance with direction 4(5) to (9) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, and

(b) before the liability is netted off in accordance with regulation 60.

(3) The following provisions of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 apply where the scheme manager makes a determination under direction 4(8)—

(a) direction 4(10) (provision of explanation);

(b) direction 4(11) and (12) (appeals).

Commencement Information

I61 Reg. 61 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Power to reduce or waive amounts owed by a person to the scheme manager N.I.

62.—(1) The scheme manager may reduce or waive an amount owed by a person to the scheme under—

(a) section 14, 15, 16 or 17 (“the corrections provisions”) of PSPJOA 2022, or

(b) these Regulations.

(2) When reducing or waiving an amount under paragraph (1), the scheme manager must comply with the requirements set out in direction 4(1)(a) to (c) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 (and the reference in direction 4(1)(c) to “any scheme regulations made by virtue of section 26(1)(b) of PSPJOA 2022” is to be read as a reference to regulation 65).

Commencement Information

I62 Reg. 62 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Agreement to waive a liability owed by the scheme manager in respect of an immediate correction N.I.

63.—(1) This regulation applies where the scheme manager owes a liability to pay compensation to a person (“ P”) under section 16(3) of PSPJOA 2022.

(2) The scheme manager and P may agree to waive the liability.

(3) Such agreement—

(a) must be in writing,

(b) may be rescinded with the agreement of the scheme manager and P, and

(c) in any event ceases to apply where—

(i) the end of the section 10 election period in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter in respect of which compensation is payable has passed, and

(ii) no section 10 election has been made (or deemed to have been made) in relation to that service.

(4) Where an agreement is rescinded or otherwise ceases to apply, the scheme manager owes P the liability mentioned in paragraph (1).

Commencement Information

I63 Reg. 63 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

CHAPTER 4 N.I. Payment of net liabilities

Application of Chapter 4 N.I.

64.  This Chapter applies in respect of a relevant amount (together with any interest on that amount) which will be payable after taking into account the effect, if any, of regulations 57 to 63 (in this Chapter called “a net liability”).

Commencement Information

I64 Reg. 64 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Payment of amounts owed to the scheme manager N.I.

65.—(1) This regulation applies where a person (“ P”) owes a net liability to the scheme manager.

(2) The scheme manager must send notice in writing to P setting out—

(a) how the net liability has been calculated,

(b) an explanation of the circumstances in which the net liability may be reduced or waived under regulation 62,

(c) where the net liability has been calculated by reference to an amount by way of compensation under section 16(3) of PSPJOA 2022, an explanation of the agreement that may be made under regulation 63,

(d) when and how the net liability must be paid, and

(e) the consequences of not paying the net liability.

(3) Where—

(a) the scheme manager has sent a notice under paragraph (2), and

(b) the amount of the net liability is subsequently adjusted,

the scheme manager must send another notice in writing to P under paragraph (2).

(4) P must pay the amount of the net liability to the scheme manager—

(a) where the net liability relates to the remediable service as a firefighter of—

(i) an immediate choice member, before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day after the day on which P receives the most recent notice under paragraph (2);

(ii) a deferred choice member, in accordance with paragraph (5),

(b) where the net liability includes an amount by way of corrections to pension contributions that are owed by virtue of an opted-out service election, in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6), or

(c) in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (8).

(5) Where paragraph (4)(a)(ii) applies, P must pay the full amount of the net liability—

(a) before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which any remediable service statement is provided under regulation 4(2)(a) or (b) in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter in respect of which the net liability is owed,

(b) where paragraph (4)(b) also applies, in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6), or

(c) in any event, before benefits become payable in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter in respect of which the net liability is owed.

(6) Where paragraph (4)(b) applies, P and the scheme manager may agree that the net liability is to be paid in full by way of instalments over the period—

(a) beginning on a date specified in the agreement (“the start date”), and

(b) ending on the earlier of—

(i) the day 14 years after the start date;

(ii) the day before it is reasonably expected that, if a section 10 election were made in relation to the remediable service as a firefighter to which the net liability relates, reformed scheme benefits would become payable to or in respect of that member.

(7) The amount of each instalment to be paid in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6) is to be determined having consulted the scheme actuary.

(8) P and the scheme manager may agree that the net liability is to be paid in part or in full by way of deductions from any benefits (including a lump sum benefit) to which P is entitled under a firefighters’ pension scheme.

(9) P and the scheme manager may agree to vary an agreement under paragraph (6) or (8).

(10) Where P does not pay any part of a net liability by the time specified in paragraph (4)(a)(i) or (5)(a), or in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6) or (8), the scheme manager may deduct such sums from benefits payable to P under a firefighters’ pension scheme as seem reasonable to the scheme manager for the purpose of discharging P’s liability.

(11) P has no liability to pay any amount on account of the net liability until the time for payment arises in accordance with this regulation or an agreement under this regulation, and until that time the scheme manager has no cause of action for the recovery of any such amount (whether for the purposes of the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989(24) or otherwise).

Commencement Information

I65 Reg. 65 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Payment of amounts owed to a person N.I.

66.—(1) This regulation applies where the scheme manager owes a net liability to a person (“ P”).

(2) The scheme manager must pay the amount of the net liability to P—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after the scheme manager determines the amount of the net liability, or

(b) where the scheme manager requires P to provide information in accordance with paragraph (3), as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of that information.

(3) Before paying the amount of a net liability owed to P, the scheme manager may, by written notice given as soon as reasonably practicable after the scheme manager determines the amount of the net liability, require P to provide information in relation to the payment of the net liability which is—

(a) information within P’s possession, or

(b) information which P may reasonably be expected to obtain.

Commencement Information

I66 Reg. 66 in operation at 1.10.2023, see reg. 1

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Health on 7th September 2023.

La’Verne Montgomery

A senior officer of the

Department of Health

The Department of Finance consents to the foregoing Regulations.

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Finance on 7th September 2023.

Patrick Neeson

A senior officer of the

Department of Finance