Nuclear waste facility plans slowed after spending review
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:01 · Archive
Plans for an underground nuclear waste facility off the Cumbrian coast have slowed following a government spending review, regulators say.
Progress on plans for an underground nuclear waste facility off the Cumbrian coast has slowed following the government's 2025 spending review, regulators have revealed in a joint annual report published on 19 October. The Environment Agency and Office for Nuclear Regulation have raised concerns about whether Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has sufficient staff and expertise to deliver the next stage of the programme.
NWS confirmed it had reduced its workforce, saying the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group was committed to reducing running costs to direct more funding towards frontline decommissioning and reducing nuclear hazards. A spokesperson said NWS had 'focused resources where they add most value' and maintained 'the highest standards of safety, security and environmental protection'.
The findings come as Mid Copeland and South Copeland, the only two communities remaining in the search for a suitable location, await a government decision on detailed geological investigations. The Environment Agency has postponed its first permit-readiness inspection from 2025 until the second half of 2026–27 because of programme delays.
How it is being reported
- Nuclear waste facility plans slowed after spending review, regulators warnRegulators say plans for a nuclear waste facility off the Cumbrian coast have slowed, as Nuclear Waste Services confirms staffing reductions.Whitehaven News · 26 Oct, 05:00
- Nuclear waste facility plans slowed after spending review, regulators warnRegulators say plans for a nuclear waste facility off the Cumbrian coast have slowed, as Nuclear Waste Services confirms staffing reductions.News & Star · 26 Oct, 05:00
In this story: Nuclear Waste Services · Environment Agency · Office for Nuclear Regulation · Cumbria · Mid Copeland · South Copeland · Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
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