Welsh Government seeks UK funding to keep coal tips safe

It is calling on Westminster to ‘share responsibility’ and allocate funding as more than 40% of all of the UK’s coal tips are located in Wales, with many classed as high risk

The Welsh Government is calling on the UK Government to provide funding to keep the country’s coal tips safe.

It is urging Westminster to use this autumn’s Spending Review to “share responsibility” and allocate long term funding as Wales‘ coal spoil tips “need attention” and financial support to prevent the risk of future landslips.

The Welsh Government, based on information from the Coal Authority, has estimated more than 40% of all the UK’s coal tips are located in Wales and around one in seven of these are classed as high risk.

At least an estimated £500 million to £600 million is said to be needed over the next 10 to 15 years.

The Spending Review will set the amount of funding available to the Welsh Government for the next three years to 2024/25.

Welsh Finance and Local Government Minister Rebecca Evans said: “Wales is disproportionately affected by the legacy of coal mining and climate impacts are increasing the risks disused coal tips pose to our communities. As a pre-devolution issue, we need the UK Government to share responsibility and prevent another landslip from happening. As rainfall intensifies and temperatures rise, the risk to life and livelihoods is increasing unpredictably.

“The UK Government has a legal and moral responsibility to work with the Welsh Government to address this issue and fund these long term costs.

“There is an opportunity for us to work together in the coming years to tackle the climate and nature crisis we face and this year’s Spending Review is the chance to find that common ground and to leave a positive, fairer and lasting legacy for former mining areas in Wales.”

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