£143m UK Government investment to secure more than 130 disused coal tips in Wales
£143m UK Government investment to secure more than 130 disused coal tips in Wales
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More than 130 disused coal tips across Wales are set to be made safe thanks to £143 million in UK Government funding, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed during a visit to Port Talbot.
The funding – £118 million announced at June’s Spending Review plus £25 million from last year’s Autumn Budget – will be used to protect communities from the risk of landslides and flooding caused by unstable former mining sites. When combined with Welsh Government contributions, a total of £220 million has now been invested in coal tip safety.
Disused coal tips remain a legacy of Wales’ coal industry and have long posed a threat to nearby communities. Last November, a partial collapse at a tip in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent forced around 40 households to evacuate.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “I know the scars that coal tip disasters have left on Welsh communities. This £143 million investment will protect families and communities from the risks posed by disused coal tips, whilst opening up sites to build new homes for hard-working Welsh families.
“These sites need to be safe, and this funding demonstrates how we are delivering our Plan for Change, putting the safety of working people first and supporting economic growth.”
The UK Government said that securing these sites could allow new housing developments on previously unsuitable land, boosting economic activity and delivering critical infrastructure.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “Ensuring coal tips across Wales remain safe is of the upmost importance. We want to ensure that communities who are close to coal tips can be confident that their homes and businesses are properly protected.
“This £118 million is in addition to £25 million which has already been provided by the UK Government and is an example of how two governments working in partnership are delivering for the people of Wales.
“These areas previously may not have been in scope for new homes due to the presence of these coal tips but by securing tips and minimising the risk of their collapse, new homes could now be built and can deliver for working families. These new homes will provide the critical infrastructure that underpins economic growth, as this investment today drives forward future productivity and higher living standards.”
The investment forms part of the UK Government’s wider Spending Review settlement for Wales, which includes more than £22 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29. This package also earmarks £445 million for rail upgrades, such as improvements to the Borderlands Line at Padeswood and the Core Valley Lines, alongside £80 million in port investment to support floating offshore wind projects in Port Talbot, subject to due diligence.
Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford welcomed the announcement, saying: “We welcome the extra investment from the UK Government for this vital work to protect communities living with the legacy of our industrial past. This builds upon previous years of Welsh Government funding and brings combined Welsh and UK Government funding to £220 million. We have long made the case for fair funding to address the impact of coal tips, protect homes, businesses and create new economic opportunities.”
Nick Rolfe, Regional Director for Wales at Walters UK, a contractor involved in securing coal tips, also praised the funding: “The Walters Group is proud to be a key partner in this important work to secure, improve, and make safe disused coal tips across Wales. This significant investment from the UK Government, working alongside the Welsh Government and here at Dyffryn Rhondda with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, shows a strong commitment to protecting our communities and dealing with the legacy of our industrial past.
“As a proud Welsh company with a long history of working in these communities on environmental and regeneration projects, we understand how important this work is. The funding is not only crucial for keeping our environment safe and protected for future generations but also for giving local people peace of mind and confidence in the future of this area for the community and visitors that make use of the active travel routes that run the length of this project.”
The UK Government said the funding will “put the safety of working people first” while creating opportunities for housing and infrastructure development that could help boost productivity and living standards across Wales.
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