John calls on government to stop cuts to miners’ pensions

John Healey has called on the Prime Minister to reverse planned cuts to miners’ pensions and fuel entitlements.

UK Coal recently went into administration and announced pensions will be transferred to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).

The Wentworth & Dearne MP said: “Miners currently working or younger than 60 will lose 10% of their pension. 7,000 miners will be worse off because of these cuts.”

The Concessionary Fuel Entitlement will be scrapped for miners who retired after privatisation in January 1995.

Mr Healey added: “The fuel entitlement is essential for many former miners, as well as many widows who rely on fuel to heat their homes.

“These cuts will make life even more difficult for the poorest communities in this country. The Government should support mining communities like the Dearne, and ensure miners receive their full pension and the fuel entitlement.”

Mr Healey has written to David Cameron and signed an Early Day Motion, calling on the government to stop the changes.