Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 23/06/2021
Nearly 300 high risk tips were inspected by the Coal Authority or the respective local authorities over the winter period. As a result of the inspections maintenance works were identified and the local authorities informed.
In relation to immediate works on coal tips, I just want to clarify, the inspections identified works which may need to commence as soon as possible while others needed works to commence within six to twelve months. However, this has to take into account these works often require long term planning due to factors such as engineering design, procurement and permitting. Local Authorities have been working to put these measures in place to enable key works to commence over the summer months. In light of this these works are ongoing.
The safety of our communities is paramount to the Welsh Government and we are continuing to work at pace to address coal tip safety with a range of partners, to mobilise a wide ranging programme of work. Works identified during the inspections as being of the highest level of importance are being prioritised during the wider 2021-2022 programme.
Until new legislation is introduced, the Coal Authority working with local authorities will undertake regular inspections on the higher-risk rated tips and ensure any other maintenance works are identified.
However, it’s also absolutely essential we get a program of remediation underway but remediation costs are on a scale far in excess of anything anticipated when devolution began in 1999. To reflect the disproportionate industrial legacy risks Wales faces, the UK Government also has a role to play in supporting a long-term settlement outside of the Barnett formula.
