Doncaster MP quizzes PM over British Coal pension scheme fight
A Doncaster MP has quizzed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over an ongoing fight for British Coal workers to receive millions of pounds still owed to them.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson asked the PM about the Government’s commitment to return pension scheme funds to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS).
Last year, the Labour Government committed to ending the historic injustice of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme’s (MPS) reserve fund and commenced paying the £1.5bn to 112,000 former coal miners, with over 1,000 members residing in Ms Jameson’s constituency.
However, a further 40,000 former staff of British Coal are members of the BCSSS, with £2.3bn tied up in a similar reserve pot to that of the MPS.
Ms Jameson asked: “The Prime Minister will be aware of the campaign by the trustees of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme to return the £2.3 billion investment reserve back to the members, over 700 of which are in Doncaster Central.
“The Labour government fulfilled its manifesto pledge to MPS members last year, so will the Prime Minister ensure that fairness and justice is delivered for BCSSS members at the budget and meet with me and other coalfield MP to discuss further.”
Sir Keir responded: “I know how committed she is to right historic wrongs for our mining communities, and I can assure her so am I. She will know we've already transferred £1.5 billion that was wrongly kept from over 100,000 former mineworkers.
“Ministers, as she knows, have met the BCSSS trustees on several occasions. The Industry Minister is meeting later on today and I'll make sure that she's updated in relation to that.
Speaking afterwards, Ms Jameson said: “We have a strong mining heritage in Doncaster that must not be forgotten and I'm proud to represent former mineworkers and their families.
"The Labour government stuck to our manifesto pledge to return the reserve fund for MPS members, and I’m pleased the Prime Minister is also committed righting historic wrongs for our mining communities.
“I will continue to advocate for members of the BCSSS at every opportunity and have done so since being elected. I have lobbied Ministers on several occasions and joined the Coalfield Communities Parliamentary Group to work with scheme Trustees and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
“Over 700 members and beneficiaries in Doncaster Central, and 40,000 across the country, deserve the swift return of their investment reserve fund.”
Last week, the MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, Lee Pitcher, wrote to the Department for Business and Trade asking for an update on the BCSSS prior to public meetings in his constituency.
The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) is one of the UK’s largest occupational pension schemes, providing benefits to former employees of the British Coal Corporation and their dependants.
Established in 1947, it now operates as a closed scheme with its assets managed to meet long-term member obligations.
The BCSSS is governed by a dedicated Trustee Board responsible for ensuring the prudent management and sustainability of the fund. The Scheme’s investment strategy focuses on delivering secure, long-term returns to protect members’ pensions while maintaining financial stability.
The issue of returning reserve funds to members is currently under consideration, with the Trustees reviewing all available options in line with legal and regulatory requirements.