The Department of Health has signed the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026 No. 73), made on 1 April 2026 and in force from 1 May 2026. The instrument amends regulation 118 of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to update member contribution arrangements.
From 1 May 2026, a new table of annual pensionable earnings bands and corresponding member contribution rates applies to scheme employment. The previous contribution table continues to apply only to periods beginning on or after 1 April 2015 and ending on 30 April 2026, providing a clear cut‑over for payroll and record‑keeping.
The method for allocating retained and volunteer firefighters to a contribution band changes. For banding purposes from 1 May 2026, their placement must be determined using their actual annual pensionable pay. Between 1 April 2015 and 30 April 2026, the 2015 Regulations required the use of reference pay for this group.
Part‑time regular firefighters also move to an actual‑pay basis for banding from 1 May 2026. Up to and including 30 April 2026, their band was determined by reference to the pensionable pay of a whole‑time regular firefighter of equivalent role and service. The change aligns banding with the pay members actually receive.
The annual pensionable earnings bands will be uprated automatically from the 2027/28 scheme year. Thresholds will increase by the percentage rise in the Consumer Prices Index for the previous September-unless the Department decides to use another UK general price index-with figures rounded up to the nearest £1. The “consumer prices index” is defined in the Regulations as the all‑items CPI published by the UK Statistics Authority.
Governance steps are recorded on the face of the instrument. The Department of Health consulted affected representatives under sections 21(1) and 22(2)(a) of the Public Service Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 and laid a report before the Assembly under section 22(2)(b). The Department of Finance consented to the Regulations under section 3(5) of the 2014 Act. The instrument was sealed by the Department of Health and the Department of Finance on 1 April 2026.
For employers and payroll teams in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the immediate task is to implement the new band table for pay from 1 May 2026 and ensure band placement for retained, volunteer and part‑time staff is calculated using actual annual pensionable pay. Records covering service up to 30 April 2026 should continue to reflect the pre‑existing banding rules.
For members, the shift to actual pay for banding should make contribution outcomes more proportionate to earnings, particularly for those with variable hours or retained duties. Members close to band thresholds should review their May payslip and annual statements to confirm the correct rate has been applied to pensionable earnings from the commencement date.
The Department’s explanatory note confirms no full impact assessment has been produced as no effect on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen. The combination of updated bands, an actual‑pay test for part‑time and retained roles, and CPI‑linked uprating from 2027/28 is intended to maintain equity across membership and keep thresholds aligned with price levels over time.
The legal basis is explicitly stated in the Regulations, citing sections 2(1), 3(1), 3(2)(a) and 3(3)(a), paragraph 6 of Schedule 2, and paragraph 9(a) and (b) of Schedule 3 to the Public Service Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014. Policy Wire will monitor any subsequent departmental circulars setting out the numerical bands and employer implementation guidance ahead of the 2027/28 automatic uprating.