NEARLY 500 former mineworkers across the Wee County will see an increase to their pensions, following the overturn of a historic injustice.

Members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS) will now see their pensions boosted by 32 per cent.

This is the result of a Labour campaign to overturn a 30-year-old decision which saw the UK Government claim half of the earnings from the pension fund, without adding to it itself.

Now, a meeting is being held in Clackmannan to allow miners, of which 469 reside in Alloa and Grangemouth, the chance to hear of the increase.

Bobby Clelland, MPS trustee for Scotland, North West England and North Wales, will be in attendance to help anyone impacted by the injustice.

He said: “Former mineworkers and their families have fought for years to reverse this historic injustice and we are grateful to MPs who have shown their support over the years.

“There are many MPS members and families across Alloa and Grangemouth who will benefit from a new 32 per cent bonus pension as a result.

“I would encourage any member who may have questions to come along to the meeting where I will be happy to provide answers and an update on their pensions.”

The investment reserve fund was established using profits from the scheme in 1992, to provide a fallback in case the MPS went into deficit.

The UK Government also agreed to take half of any profits generated by the pension scheme in return for a guarantee that pensions would increase in line with inflation.

As the scheme continued to produce strong returns, the government has never paid any funds into it.

As a result, the new Labour Government swore to overturn this decision and see the money repaid to miners.

This decision means members will have their pensions boosted by 32 per cent, an average increase of £29 per week.

Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, added: “I am proud that we have finally ended the injustice affecting the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.

“Hundreds who worked hard in difficult conditions to help power our country for decades will now rightly see their pensions increased after what has been a hard-fought campaign.

“I look forward to the meeting this weekend – Bobby and I will delighted to answer questions and provide an update on the scheme.”

The meeting will be held at Clackmannan Bowling Club on Saturday, November 23 from 11am to 1pm.