MORE than 2,000 former Barnsley mineworkers will be waking up on Christmas morning an average of £5,500 better off after the government announced a backdated pension boost this week.

In the budget delivered to Parliament last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) will see the investment reserve fund returned to them.

It follows another fund - the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS) - which gave ex-coalworkers another uplift.

Previous governments are estimated to have taken more than £3bn in dividends from the scheme, although £2.3bn remained tied up in a so-called ‘investment reserve’ - but on Tuesday that was delivered to the BCSSS.

A total of 924 people in Barnsley South, 859 in Barnsley North and 336 in Penistone and Stocksbridge are eligible for the average £100 uplift, which went into mineworkers’ pockets earlier this week.

With payments backdated to November 2024 when the increase to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme was implemented, members should have received a £5,500 lump sum on average.

The BCSSS scheme represents former coal miners as well as those who worked in non-mining roles at collieries across the UK, including engineers, managers, canteen workers and administrators - with more than 5,000 women part of the scheme, representing 13 per cent of members.

Last year the government transferred £1.5bn to members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme, supporting more than 100,000 members across the UK.

It means that the government has now delivered a pension uplift for all members of the former British Coal pension schemes.

Stephanie Peacock, who represents Barnsley South, said: “I am delighted that members of the BCSSS have received their first increased pension payments following this Labour government’s decision to return the Investment Reserve Fund to scheme members.

“This will mean an average weekly uplift of £100 in pension payments and will be backdated to November 1, 2024.

“The mining industry powered our country - it is right that those who kept the lights on and the country moving get the payments they deserve.”

Dan Jarvis, who represents Barnsley North, added: “Our town’s proud industrial heritage is built on the hard graft of our mineworkers.

“That’s why it’s great to see BCSSS members receive their first increased pension payments in time for Christmas.

“Stephanie and I campaigned hard on this issue and I’m very pleased that the Labour government has backed our mineworkers yet again.”