The UK and Welsh Governments have announced a combined £220 million investment to secure disused coal tips across Wales, protecting communities from landslides and flooding while unlocking land for future housing development.
The funding includes £118 million from the UK Government’s Spending Review, alongside £25 million from last year’s Autumn Budget, and additional contributions from the Welsh Government. The investment follows incidents like the partial collapse of a coal tip in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, which forced the evacuation of 40 homes.
By securing these legacy sites, the programme will not only protect existing homes but also enable new housing developments in previously restricted areas, supporting working families, economic growth, and higher living standards.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, commented:
“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 Spending Review also delivered a record £445 million to enhance rail infrastructure across Wales, including upgrades to the Core Valley Lines and improvements at Padeswood on the Borderlands Line. This is part of the UK Government’s 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.
In addition, up to £80 million has been earmarked for port investment to support floating offshore wind deployment in Port Talbot, subject to final due diligence—reinforcing Wales’s role in the UK’s clean energy transition.
Welsh Government Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, also said:
“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.”
With the Welsh economy already worth £93 billion annually, these measures form a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at unlocking regional growth and opportunity.
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