Disused Coal Tips Safety 2021-01-26
2021-01-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions are needed on funding for ensuring the safety of disused coal tips in Wales, which have a higher percentage than what the Barnett formula would normally allocate.
What discussions has he had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Coal Authority on funding for ensuring the safety and stability of disused coal tips?
Treasury Ministers regularly speak to their ministerial colleagues on all matters of public spending. Remediation of coal sites is a devolved policy and responsibility lies with the devolved Administration through their Barnett funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Discussions about specific funding for disused coal tips were avoided
Remediation Of Coal Sites Is A Devolved Matter
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
40% of all the disused coal tips in the whole United Kingdom are in Wales, which is much higher than the Barnett formula would normally allow. Ninety percent of these sites are in poorer communities.
Given that 40% of all disused coal tips in the UK are in Wales and most of them are in poor communities, if the Government sticks to the policy where local authorities must find funding for this issue, it will burden the poorest communities. The MP urges the Minister to reconsider how to ensure safety and provide funding for disused coal tip repairs.
Last time this issue was raised, the UK Government responded with £31 million of financial support, including £22 million for flooding issues at coal sites and £9 million for repairs. The Coal Authority is supporting a safety review of all small tips in Wales regardless of ownership.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's request for rethinking the funding strategy was not directly addressed
Responding With Past Financial Support Without Addressing Future Policy Needs
Response accuracy