Matthews Project (Modified Firefighters Pension Scheme)

If you would like to speak to a member of the pensions team regarding the Matthews project, email firepensions@cumbriafire.gov.uk 

More information on the project can be found at Firefighters' Pension Scheme | Local Government Association

What is the Matthews Project?

On-call firefighters were not able to join a pension scheme until 6 April 2006. Prior to this, the 1992 scheme was only open to wholetime firefighters.

The exclusion of retained firefighters from the FPS 1992 was challenged under the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 and this resulted in a settlement which allowed certain retained firefighters with service between 1 July 2000 and 5 April 2006 to become members of a specially modified version of the 2006 pension scheme which had broadly similar benefits to the 1992 scheme. 

These include:

  • an inflation-proofed pension based on your final pay and length of pensionable service
  • an option to convert part of the pension to a lump sum
  • early payment of benefits if you have to retire on grounds of permanent ill-health
  • death-in-service cover providing a lump sum death grant equal to twice pensionable pay
  • a pension for your surviving husband, wife, civil partner, or co-habiting partner
  • pensions for children
  • normal retirement age of 55

Who is Eligible for the Second Options Exercise?

The following individuals are eligible for the second options exercise:

  • Retained firefighters employed on any date between 7 April 2000 and 30 June 2000 (inclusive)
  • Retained firefighters employed on any date between 7 April 2000 and 30 June 2000 (inclusive) as well as on any date between 1 July 2000 and 5 April 2006 (inclusive)
  • Retained firefighters employed on any date between 1 July 2000 and 5 April 2006 (inclusive), but not on any date between 7 April and 1 July 2000, who were eligible to take part in the first options exercise but were not given the opportunity to do so.