And it’s a move that’s being welcomed by the local MP who has been fighting for the change for many months.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last month that £2.3 billion 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 nationalised industry, with hundreds of workers with unpaid pensions – including many in the local area.

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

Local politicians, including MPs Elaine Stewart and David Mundell, have been lobbying for the move strongly this year.

Ministers said that with payments backdated to November 2024, when the increase to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme was implemented, members should today receive 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.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, Elaine Stewart, said: “This announcement represents a long-overdue commitment to former miners and workers in the coal industry, who dedicated so much to Ayrshire, and to coalfield communities across the UK.

“I am proud to have repeatedly fought for this justice in Parliament, and proud to represent an ex-coalfield community – where I know this change will make a real and lasting difference.

“Every member of the BCSSS scheme deserves the recognition and financial security which results from the pension boost, and I am delighted that this government has delivered for them.”

Cheryl Agius, chair of trustees of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme, added: “This is a historic moment – the result of a year of determination, advocacy and collaboration – and it marks a turning point for the scheme.

“The government has listened to the trustees, scheme members, and coalfield MPs that have supported this issue, and agreed to transfer the scheme’s investment reserve to members.

“Being able to make the first bonus pension increase today brings BCSSS members into line with their former colleagues in the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS), who received their investment reserve in November last year.”