House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disused Coal Tips: Safety and Stability

Monday 16 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

Chris Bryant asked the Minister about discussions on local authorities' responsibilities for disused coal tips.
The Welsh Government has over 1.4 billion in usable reserves for 2020-21, including 200 million unallocated.
The Treasury is in discussion with the Welsh Government regarding funding for disused coal tips.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

Wales Local Government Environment

Context

The hon. Member inquired about local authorities' responsibilities for disused coal tips after receiving a letter from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury regarding £2.5 million needed for tip repairs.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on local authorities' responsibilities for the stability and safety of disused coal tips. My question is about how we are going to make sure that all the coal tips across the whole UK are properly accounted for and stable, to prevent another Aberfan disaster. If £12.5 million was needed for one tip in Tylorstown, what will be the total cost across England and Wales?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

Welsh local authorities started the 2020-21 financial year with over £1.4 billion of usable reserves, including £200 million unallocated. The Treasury is in discussion with the Welsh Government regarding funding for disused coal tips. I encourage further discussions on this matter between local authorities and the Welsh Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Who will be footing the bill for disused coal tips stability and safety across England and Wales was not addressed.

How: Under Discussion With Welsh Government

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Q2 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

Wales Local Government Environment

Context

The hon. Member is concerned about the funding for disused coal tip repairs after a £12.5 million expense in Tylorstown.

Question

How will all the disused coal tips across England and Wales be accounted for and made stable and safe? If local authorities are responsible, they may become bankrupt from the costs.

Answer from Christopher Pincher

Welsh local authorities had £1.4 billion in reserves for 2020-21, including £200 million unallocated. The Treasury is discussing funding with the Welsh Government on this topic.