Scheme History

The Scheme was established, by an Act of Parliament, after the nationalisation of the coal industry in 1947. It was known as the National Coal Board Principal Superannuation Scheme (NCBPSS).

The Scheme changed its name to British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) in 1986.

 

Following privatisation, British Coal stepped down as Sponsor. The government became Guarantor for the Scheme and surplus sharing was introduced.

Key changes were made to the Scheme’s structure in 2015. The surplus sharing agreement ended but future benefits were fixed. Bonus pensions can no longer be taken away.

BCSSS is still one of the largest occupational pension schemes in the UK, providing benefits for over 40,000 pensioners and deferred members. The Scheme turned 75 in 2022.