BCSSS: mineworkers to get pension boost before Christmas
Almost 40,000 former mineworkers and colliery staff will receive an extra £100-a-week in their pension starting today ahead of Christmas, following changes in the Budget.
Last month, Rachel Reeves announced the government had transferred the £2.3bn reserve, previously held since 1994, to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS).
These include former coal miners as well as those who worked in other roles at the collieries, including engineers, managers, canteen workers and administrators.
With payments backdated to November 2024 when the increase to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme was implemented, BCSSS members should today receive a £5,500 lump sum on average just in time for Christmas.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “I want to pay tribute to all the mineworkers and all the campaigners involved in ending this decades-long injustice.
“Today, thousands will rightly see a 41 per cent uplift in their pension payment just before Christmas – providing them with the retirement they deserve.”
Cheryl Agius, chair of BCSSS trustees, said: “This is a historic moment – the result of a year of determination, advocacy and collaboration – and it marks a turning point for the Scheme.
“The Government has listened to the trustees, scheme members, and coalfield MPs that have supported this issue, and agreed to transfer the Scheme's investment reserve to members.
“Being able to make the first bonus pension increase today, brings BCSSS members into line with their former colleagues in the MPS, who received their investment reserve in November last year.
“Our members have been key to helping us raise this issue with the government over the last 12 months and the trustees would like to thank them for their support."
The government said it would meet with BCSSS trustees in the New Year to agree a way forward with surplus sharing arrangements.