A Scottish Labour MP has been outspoken in her fight for 290 locals whose pensions have been impacted.
Melanie Ward, MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, has spoken out about the need for fairness for Fife's coal pensioners.
The Labour Government since coming into power has fulfilled its manifesto commitment to return the Investment Reserve Fund to the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme, resulting in an average 32 per cent increase in pensions for 824 constituents.
However, Ms Ward believes that the task is 'not yet complete'.
The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) Investment Reserve Fund has not yet been returned, which could impact 290 members living in the constituency.
This issue was raised in Parliament by Ms Ward during a question to the Minister of State for Industry, Sarah Jones MP.
She asked: "Some 824 former miners in Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy are rightly delighted that our Government have returned over £1 billion from the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme to those who powered our country for decades.
"Does the Minister have plans to deliver similar justice to the 290 members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme in my constituency and, indeed, all those affected across the UK?"
Ms Jones responded: "Of course, we will look at any suggestions that the BCSSS comes forward with."
Ms Ward has been in contact with campaigners advocating for the reallocation of the BCSSS Fund and has spoken to former miners in the community about the issue.
She has also joined other members of the Coalfield MPs Group in signing a letter to Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, urging him to support the campaign for the return of the BCSSS Investment Reserve Fund.
Ms Ward said: "We cannot rest until all British Coal pensioners are treated fairly.
"These are hardworking individuals who deserve the benefits they were promised."
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