November 29, 2025 - AYR, Carrick and Cumnock MP Elaine Stewart says a budget announcement into a historic fight for coal staff workers' pensions is "justice".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday that £2.3billion would be passed to British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) members.

Last year, almost 700 mine workers received the first pension payment increase, following the injustice of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme.

However, the BCSSS is a separate pension scheme serving the former nationalized industry, with hundreds of workers with unpaid pensions- including many in the local area.

Announcing the move at the recent budget, the chancellor said: "I will transfer the investment reserve fund of the BCSSS to its members so that the men and women who worked in our coal industry get a fair deal in their retirement too."

Politicians across the coalfield communities have long been calling for the staff to be paid what they are due.

Members of the BCSSS also lobbied at a Labor Party conference in Liverpool earlier this year, as they demanded a resolution.

Delighted at the announcement, Labor MP Stewart said: "The Chancellor today confirmed action on the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) in the Autumn Budget.

"This has been a long fight, and I’m proud to say our voices have been heard.

"There are almost 200 members in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, and many of them have shared their stories with me since I became an MP. Today’s decision is a turning point for them and for their families.

"I pressed the case directly with the chancellor, and I’m pleased she has listened.

"This announcement is a long overdue step towards justice for those who powered our nation for generations – including the many women and underground staff whose contributions have too often been overlooked.

"Our coalfield communities deserve fairness and dignity, and this Budget delivers some of that recognition.

"As someone from a coalmining family myself, I’ll keep pushing the government to go further in supporting former industrial communities across Scotland and the UK."