BCSSS: Standing Up for Former British Coal Staff

This week I wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to press the case for justice for former British Coal staff who are members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS).

While the Labour Government has taken long-overdue action to reform the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS), thousands of workers who served above ground — including engineers, surveyors, clerical staff, and administrators — remain excluded. These individuals kept the lights on, powered our economy, and helped to sustain the coal industry over generations. They deserve the same fairness and recognition as their colleagues underground.

In my letter, I asked the Chancellor to consider urgent action to support these workers and their families, and to deliver the justice they have long been promised. I also called for renewed funding for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust — the principal organisation supporting jobs, skills, and infrastructure in former mining communities — at the next fiscal opportunity.

I raised the issue again in Parliament during an adjournment debate on the BCSSS, where I asked the Minister to meet with MPs from coalfield constituencies and to ensure that our communities are properly represented in the development of the Government’s industrial strategy. The Minister confirmed she is happy to meet and reiterated the Government’s commitment to working at pace on the BCSSS, with officials due to meet the Treasury and the trustees in the coming weeks.

This is a positive step, but there is more to do. With the Group of Coalfield MPs due to meet with the trustees of the BCSSS next month, I will continue working with colleagues across Parliament to make sure the voices of our communities are heard — and that those who served the country through the coal industry are not forgotten.

You can read the full text of my letter to the Chancellor below:

Dear Chancellor, Re: British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) I write on behalf of a number of my constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme, who, as loyal, hard-working members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme, kept the lights on and powered our country with skill and tenacity. As you know from our meeting at No. 11 last week, I very much welcome the action on the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme, but there is more to do to support former miners and their families in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across England. When we speak of "mineworkers' pensions", we refer to all those who contributed to the coal industry: from those in the pits, all the way up to the teams on the surface, and everything in between. We must secure justice for all former British coal workers, whether they be members of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme or the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. It is vital that we act. I cannot stress enough how much this matters to so many people in coalfield communities like mine in North Staffordshire and right across the United Kingdom. You know from your visits to our county that fairness, hard work, and decency are what good North Staffordshire people are made of – and they deserve justice. As the West Midlands Lead on the Group of Coalfield MPs, I know I speak for many colleagues and the fierce sense of determination and pride of the people who sent us to Parliament to speak up for them. Moreover, I hope, too, that there will be very serious consideration given to my calls for support for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust at the appropriate fiscal opportunity. My colleagues in the Coalfield Group of MPs will be meeting with the Trustees of the BCSSS next month and always stand ready to meet ministers in HM Treasury or relevant officials to press the case and deliver the justice our people deserve. Yours sincerely, Adam Jogee MP Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme

If you or your family are affected by this issue or would like to share your experience, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.