Asked by: Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government what live environmental data are available regarding disused coal tips.
Answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
There are over 6,000 disused coal tips in Britain with 2,573 located in Wales. The majority of tips are in local authority or private ownership which includes legal responsibilities. The Welsh Government has published coal tips data and details of their work programme to address the tips issue including inspections/maintenance https://www.gov.wales/coal-tip-safety
There is no central tips record in England or Scotland as the geological makeup of tip locations in those areas, and previous reprofiling/restoration, has left a lower risk profile.
Asked by: Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government what resilience plans are in place for communities that are next to disused coal tips.
Answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The majority of tips are in local authority or private ownership and the responsibility for managing the associated monitoring and resilience work is a matter for the landowner and local authority.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring coal tip safety and just how much this issue resonates with local communities, particularly in the South Wales valleys, that is why the Government announced funding of £25m in 25/26 to the Welsh Government in the Budget, for making coal tips safe.
Asked by: Baroness Smith of Llanfaes (Plaid Cymru - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish measures to amend the Coal Industry Act 1994.
Answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
On 14th November 2024 the Government announced its intention to change coal extraction policy through primary legislation to restrict future licensing of all new coal mines. The Government anticipates this will involve measures to amend the Coal Industry Act 1994 which will be introduced when Parliamentary time allows.