Committee publication · Correspondence · 28 January 2026 · HC 560
Correspondence to and from Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, dated 26 January, relating to the environmental and economic legacy of Wales’ industrial past.
From: Welsh Affairs Committee
Inquiry: The environmental and economic legacy of Wales' industrial past
Summary
The Welsh Affairs Committee writes to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs seeking follow-up information on Wales' industrial legacy, specifically regarding coal tip remediation costs, the new Disused Tips Authority, contaminated land legislation, and the application of the 'polluter pays' principle. The Deputy First Minister responds that over £230 million has been secured (including £143m from UK Government) to support a multi-year tip safety programme to 2029, the Disused Tips Authority will become operational in April 2027, and contaminated land is managed under existing Environmental Protection Act provisions with 22% of remediation costs recovered from original polluters.
Key findings
- Over £230 million in combined Welsh and UK Government funding secured for coal tip remediation, with £143m from UK Government representing the full amount requested; funding envisaged to cover tip safety regime for three financial years.
- Disused Tips Authority for Wales established under legislation receiving Royal Assent on 11 September 2025; Authority to become operational 1 April 2027 as first organisation of its kind in UK.
- Only 22% of contaminated land remediation at Class A (polluter) appropriate person sites has been paid by original polluters; 71% of remediation projects funded through Welsh Government's Contaminated Land Capital Fund.
- Welsh Government policy strongly presumes against coal extraction and fossil fuel use; Ministers will not authorise new mining licences except in wholly exceptional circumstances.
- Approximately 220 of 1,300 abandoned metal mines in Wales significantly impact water quality; Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and Mining Remediation Authority working on 25 active projects delivering improvements to approximately 60km of watercourse.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Ruth Jones MP, Huw Irranca-Davies, Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Mining Remediation Authority, Disused Tips Authority for Wales
Key Quotes
“… we would appreciate the opportunity to follow up in writing to request this additional information from your office.”
“… the Welsh and UK Governments have provided over £230 million which will help safeguard hundreds of communities living in the shadow of these sites.”
“Approximately £143m of this funding was provided by the UK Government which was the full amount we requested as part of the most recent budget announcement.”
“… the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025 will establish the Disused Tips Authority for Wales - a public body that will take responsibility for checking, recording, monitoring and managing tips - the first organisation of its kind in the UK.”
“In terms of li ability involving the original polluter, the Class A (polluter) appropriate person(s) has paid for remediation at 22% of appropriate sites whereas Class B (landowner) …”
“Given the historical nature of the pollution at these sites (for example, lead contamination from lead smelting), the original polluter is often no longer in existence.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗