Nick Smith, Member of Parliament for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, has welcomed today’s announcement that members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) will receive a long overdue pension boost.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her budget that the £2.3bn BCSSS investment reserve fund will be returned to members, meaning 341 former pit staff in Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney will see a 40% increase to their annual pensions.

This commitment follows sustained campaigning by Mr Smith and other coalfield MPs who have called for BCSSS members to receive a boost similar to that which benefitted more than 1600 former mineworkers in Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney following the autumn 2024 budget.

Since then Mr Smith has been one of the most vocal champions for BCSSS members – which includes pit supervisors, engineers, administrative staff and canteen workers – calling for a fair deal through Parliamentary questions, discussions with Ministers and meetings with trustees and local members.

Nick Smith MP said: “Coal industry workers dedicated their lives to keeping our country running, and whether they were in the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme or the Staff Scheme, they deserve fair play in retirement.

“We fulfilled our promise to put things right for Mineworkers Pension Scheme members and I was keen to ensure that BCSSS members were not left behind.

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for BCSSS members in Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney, and across the country.”

Chris Kitchen, General Secretary of the NUM said: “The NUM welcomes the BCSSS announcement in the Budget and the Labour Government’s recognition that there were two pension Schemes in the mining industry that suffered historic injustice which they have sought to correct.

“The additional pensions this will provide will benefit not just the pensioner but our former mining communities devastated by the closure of our industry.
“A commitment made, a commitment delivered.”