A former mineworker said he was “elated” when the government announced it will share out surplus pension fund money held for over 30 years.
Stuart Porthouse from Sunderland, who spent 32 years working at five collieries in north-east England, said Rachel Reeves’ Budget announcement that members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) will receive £2.3bn will allow people to “enjoy the rest of their lives”.
The cash has been held by the government since 1994 when the mining industry was privatised.
Ian Lavery, Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington and a former president of the National Union of Mineworkers, said it was “fantastic news”.