Joy as pensions boost for 3,700 former local mineworkers confirmed
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Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed the move which will mean a 32 per cent boost to the annual pensions of 112,000 former mineworkers across the UK, as well as 3755 in East Durham.
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Hide Ad£29 extra a week for each member
It means an average increase of £29 per week for each member.
Easington MP Grahame Morris welcomed the announcement, saying: “It is a national scandal that former miners in Easington have had to fight for so long for the pension settlement they deserve.
“Today, Labour ends this injustice and delivers what is rightfully owed back to mining families.
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The Sunderland Echo reported in July that the new Government was about to start discussions with Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Trustees.
Mr Morris added: “This is a victory for the relentless campaigning of the trustees, members, and coalfield communities here in the Easington constituency.”
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Hide AdA landmark decision worth £1.5 billion
Former mineworkers and their families have fought for justice for many years. In a landmark decision, the fund - now worth £1.5 billion – will be handed over to the pension scheme, ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades finally get the just rewards from their labour.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We owe the mining communities who powered this country a debt of gratitude.
“For decades, it has been a scandal that the government has taken money that could have been passed to the miners and their families.
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Hide AdThe ‘scandal ends’
“Today, that scandal ends, and the money is rightfully transferred to the miners. I pay tribute to the campaigners who have fought for justice- today is their victory.”
Chris Kitchen, General Secretary of the NUM said: “The Labour Party recognised the injustice of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme whilst in opposition. Now in Government they have made good on their manifesto commitment to return the Investment Reserve Fund so it can be used to increase pensions.
“This is the change we voted for.”
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