Rachel has hosted an event in Baddesley Ensor to discuss the campaign for the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) surplus to be returned to its members, so that the mineworkers who powered Britain can retire with more money in their pockets.
The BCSSS campaign comes after the Labour Government announced that it would return £1.5 billion to 112,000 members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS) at the last Budget, with 1,043 former mineworkers in North Warwickshire and Bedworth receiving a pensions boost of 32% as a result, or £29 per week. Rachel is campaigning for members of the BCSSS pension scheme to also receive a pensions boost from the surplus in their scheme.
At the event, Rachel welcomed Bleddyn, James, and John from the BCSSS, along with local members of the scheme, to discuss the campaign. Just as Labour delivered justice for members of the Mineworkers Pension Scheme, Rachel believes the same must now be done for BCSSS members.
If you are a member of the BCSSS in North Warwickshire and Bedworth, you can support Rachel’s campaign by contacting her by clicking here or by calling 024 7630 9901.
Following the event, Rachel said:
My grandfather was a local miner, so I understand the vital role miners played in our community. It’s a national scandal that former mineworkers had to fight so long for the pensions they earned. I’m delighted that the government is handing over the surplus from the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme to its members, but I am determined that those in the BCSSS mineworkers pension scheme receive the surplus from that scheme too, and am supporting the campaign to make this happen.
It was fantastic to meet BCSSS members and trustees at this event to discuss next steps for the campaign. I have already raised the issue in parliament, and will continue to push for action from the government.