§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost is of the benefits that apply to a new entrant to the Fire Service; what financial and demographic assumptions are used to make this estimate; and when the mortality assumption for pensioners was last reviewed. [84905]
§ Mr. RaynsfordFor the Review of the Fire Service Pensions published in 1998, the cost of the benefits under the Firefighters Pension Scheme was assessed at 34.75 per cent, of pensionable pay.The financial and demographic assumptions were based on the probabilities of firefighters leaving the service through various causes, their salary progression throughout their careers and their mortality rates once in receipt of benefits. The mortality assumption for pensioners was last reviewed in 1991.