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<p> </p><p>If a firefighter is permanently incapacitated so as to be unable to undertake
their role they will be eligible for an ill-health pension. Where a firefighter is
not permanently incapacitated, fire and rescue authorities will support a firefighter
in regaining their fitness. An independent report found that the vast majority of
firefighters who lose their fitness will regain it following remedial training.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The New Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2006 provides fire and
rescue authorities with the discretion to pay an unreduced pension to a firefighter
having regard to the costs of the case and the economical, efficient and effective
management of their functions; the draft Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 regulations
contain a similar provision. In early June we made an offer to the Fire Brigades Union
to work with the employers to develop a common approach to the use of this discretion.
The Union rejected that offer and announced further strike action. Further details
can be found in my letter of 5 June to the Chairmen of Fire and Rescue Authorities
at:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/318086/Letter_from_Brandon_Lewis_on_strike_action_5_June_2014_2.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/318086/Letter_from_Brandon_Lewis_on_strike_action_5_June_2014_2.pdf</a></p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.</p><p> </p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>
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