Disused Coal Tips Safety and Stability 2020-11-16
2020-11-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Who will be footing the bill for disused coal tips stability and safety across England and Wales was not addressed.
Under Discussion With Welsh Government
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member is concerned about the funding for disused coal tip repairs after a £12.5 million expense in Tylorstown.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Who will fund disused coal tips stability and safety was not addressed specifically.
Under Discussion With Welsh Government
Response accuracy