Firefighters

Dr. Nick Palmer
22. To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will review the regulations governing ill-health retirement of firefighters.

Mr. Dhanda
Representations from stakeholders about the terms of the current regulations governing the ill-health retirement of firefighters are being carefully considered. A statement will be made once our assessment of the representations is completed.

It is not the intention of the current regulations, nor the explanatory guidance produced by Communities and Local Government, either in 2004 or 2006, to adversely affect firefighters' entitlement to an ill-health pension.

Pension benefits for life are available to those who are permanently unable to perform the duties of a firefighter. Otherwise, the Department believes that another post within the fire and rescue authority, or alternative local authority employment, should be considered.