Ex-miners optimistic pension cash will be released

Former miners say they are hopeful a decades-long pensions battle could come to an end when the government unveils its Budget later.

Mineworkers say they lost out after the Conservative administration took over the miners' pension scheme when British Coal was privatised in 1994.

At that point it was guaranteed by ministers that the value of the fund would not decrease - but the government was allowed to keep half of any investment surplus.

Retired miners hope Chancellor John Healey will finally end that arrangement in the Budget on Wednesday after trade minister Blair McDougall told Parliament "the hard work and sacrifice of coalminers must be acknowledged".

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves agreed in the last two Budgets to release part of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) cash.

However members of the National Mineworkers Pension Campaign have been calling for the rest to be released as soon as possible.

Mick Newton worked at Thoresby Colliery near Mansfield for 15 years and has been campaigning for change since 2015.

"We're not asking the chancellor for any money, all we're saying is stop taking our money," he told the BBC.

"It would mean the world to me and a lot of other campaigners that have dedicated their time to this campaign over the past decade or two.

"At last we will have closure, hopefully, and we can get on with our retirement."

Newton admits the confirmation, if it comes, would be bittersweet.

"We will be jubilant if we get the victory, but we will also be remorseful because we have lost loved ones who didn't see the justice," he said.

Steve Yemm, Labour MP for Mansfield, said he was "optimistic" the government had listened and campaigners "will get the justice they so much deserve".

"We've got 3% of mineworkers in my constituency alone. That's 120 million [pounds] being set aside for my constituents," he said.

"Local spending power that will move around the local economy."

Trade minister Blair McDoughall, told the Commons: "We owe former mining communities a debt of gratitude for their contribution to national prosperity, and we must acknowledge and recognise the hard work and sacrifice of coalminers, who powered this country for decades.

"We are in that terrible pre-Budget period when lots of ministers stand at the dispatch box and ask for patience.

"I have to do the same, but I recognise that we are dealing with people who are incredibly advanced in years and cannot afford to wait indefinitely."

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