There are two UK coal pension schemes:
Together they have over 300,000 members and are among the largest funded pension schemes in the UK.
When British Coal was privatised in 1994, the schemes were closed to new members and new contributions, and became standalone trusts.
The guarantee arrangements
Before British Coal was privatised in 1994, the trustees of the two British Coal pension schemes agreed on solvency guarantees with the Government. This guaranteed that pension entitlements at privatisation would rise at least in line with inflation. As part of these arrangements, the Government receives a 50 percent share of any periodic surpluses from scheme valuations in instalments over ten years. The remaining 50 percent is available to distribute to scheme members.
Contacts
DECC
David Leitch
Phone: 0300 068 5713
Email: David.Leitch@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Mineworkers Pension Scheme
For any enquiries about MPS pensions or entitlement, please contact the relevant number below:
MPS Administration Office general enquiries: 0845 606 4444
Trivial pension commutation: 0845 602 1603
Concessionary Fuel: 0845 759 0529
Tax code enquiries: 0845 300 3939
Write to: The Administration Office, Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme, Sutherland House, Russell Way, Crawley RH10 1UH
Or email: mps enquiries
British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme
Please note, DECC is not responsible for the management or administration of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme.
For any enquiries about BCSSS pensions or entitlement, please contact the Administration Office at:
For surnames beginning A-J: 0845 609 0012 (+44 114 2034613)
For surnames beginning K-Z: 0845 609 0013 (+44 114 203 4629)
Write to: The Administration Office, BCSSS, Queen’s House, 105 Queen Street, Sheffield S1 1GN
Or email: bcsss enquiries
Remember to quote your National Insurance and pension scheme numbers on all correspondence.