Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the HM Treasury press release entitled Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall, published on 29 July 2025, whether the Government expects to provide additional public funding to support the reopening of the South Crofty Tin mine.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The National Wealth Fund made a £28.6 million equity investment in the South Crofty tin mine to help de-risk the project and enable it to secure additional financing to operationalise the mine. The investment supports the continued growth and sustainability of Cornwall’s mining sector. The National Wealth Fund will continue to explore opportunities to support the South Crofty tin mine alongside private sector investment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what discussions her Department has had with the Environment Agency on the adequacy of its capacity to process an increase in recovery permit applications before the proposed 2027 Landfill Tax exemption removal.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

HM Treasury is working with Defra and the Environment Agency on the proposals set out in the consultation.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the press release entitled Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall, published on 29 July 2025, what proportion of the jobs created by the reopening of the South Crofty Tin Mine will be directly employed by Cornish Metals; and on what evidential basis her Department calculated the indirect employment figures referenced in that press release.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Cornish Metals expect over 300 direct jobs to be created at South Crofty mine, with up to a further 1,000 indirect jobs being created to support the mining operation. The employment figures referenced in the HM Treasury press release were provided by Cornish Metals in their Preliminary Economic Assessment of the South Crofty project. This can be found on Cornish Metals’ website: https://cornishmetals.com/projects/uk/south-crofty/.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled Sizewell C gets green light with final investment decision, published on 22 July 2025, for what reason the Government's funding for Sizewell C will be made through the National Wealth Fund.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The National Wealth Fund is the provider of the Government’s loan for Sizewell C. This enables the project to benefit from the NWF’s operationally independent infrastructure finance expertise. Sizewell C is also a strong fit with the NWF’s mandate, as one of the UK’s top clean energy priorities, and will bring significant regional economic growth benefits.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the press release entitled Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall, published on 29 July 2025, whether the £28.6 million investment into Cornish Metals by the National Wealth Fund had previously been committed to by the UK Infrastructure Bank before 4 July 2024.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The commitment to invest £28.6 million into Cornish Metals was made by the National Wealth Fund and announced on 28th January 2025. The investment is separate to the £24 million equity investment into Cornish Lithium announced on 23^rd August 2023 by the UKIB

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether she plans to conduct an Infrastructure and Projects Authority review prior to a removal of the exemption for filling quarries from the Landfill Tax.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth.

We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether she has considered the potential long-term inflationary impact of the proposed Landfill Tax changes on public infrastructure procurement.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth.

We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the Landfill Tax on the (a) cost and (b) viability of (i) the expansion of Heathrow airport and (ii) other major infrastructure projects.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth.

We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what estimate her Department has made of the total cost of proposed Landfill Tax changes on government-funded infrastructure projects in the next five years.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

As part of the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth.

We will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to Landfill Tax on the Government’s capacity to meet the housing target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes over 5 years as set out in the Plan for Change. The government is considering the potential impacts of proposed Landfill Tax reforms on housing delivery and government targets. We are working with the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to assess these impacts and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential impact of the proposed changes to Landfill Tax on the cost of housing.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes over 5 years as set out in the Plan for Change. The government is considering the potential impacts of proposed Landfill Tax reforms on housing delivery and government targets. We are working with the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to assess these impacts and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax, whether her Department has modelled the potential impact of proposed changes to Landfill Tax on the cost of building a new home.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes over 5 years as set out in the Plan for Change. The government is considering the potential impacts of proposed Landfill Tax reforms on housing delivery and government targets. We are working with the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to assess these impacts and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.

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Found: A copy of this letter will be shared with Gareth Davies, Comptroller and Auditor General, and the Treasury

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Found: The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), Gareth Davies, is an Officer of the House of Commons and

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Found: The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), Gareth Davies, is an Officer of the House of Commons and

Found: The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), Gareth Davies, is an Officer of the House of Commons and

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Found: Gareth Davies 2 September 2025 Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

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Found: Gareth Davies Date 21 July 2025 Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

Found: Gareth Davies Date 12th September 2025 Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office

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Found: Gareth Davies 11th September 2025 Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

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Found: Gareth Davies 13 October 2025 Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

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Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road Victoria

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Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General 1st September 2025 National Audit Office

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Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

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Found: Gareth Davies COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL 25 July 2024 National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General July 2024 National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham Palace

Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General 12 June 2023 National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General 13 June 2022 National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham Palace

Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General 17 June 2021 National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham Palace

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Found: Gareth Davies Comptroller and Auditor General 17 June 2019 National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham

Found: membership: Alun Davies MS Welsh Labour Mick Antoniw MS Welsh Labour Heledd Fychan MS Plaid Cymru Gareth Davies

Found: membership: Alun Davies MS Welsh Labour Mick Antoniw MS Welsh Labour Heledd Fychan MS Plaid Cymru Gareth Davies

<p>Thank you very much, Gareth Davies. I'm not absolutely sure what you're inferring in your question, but I hope what you're inferring is that it's important that—. Recognising our commitment to the expansion of social housing in Wales, it is clearly that expansion, that investment in social housing, that&nbsp;provides a real opportunity for local people to access social housing. Of course, every local authority has their route into accessing social housing. Sometimes, of course, in terms of the opportunities to access social housing, where there's a housing need in that area, it might include people who are in housing need, who are in temporary accommodation and then can apply for all the routes. Of course, there is the other route to accessing private housing, and the first step in the ladder for many is supported by our very generous Help to Buy arrangements in Wales.</p>

<p>There are no people seeking to intervene, Gareth Davies.</p>

<p>I agree with that point that the Member has made, Llywydd. Financial flexibilities are an agenda item in the plenary of the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee on Friday, because all three devolved Governments have an interest in securing a more flexible approach to that, and that certainly would benefit a future Government in managing a £27 billion budget here in Wales.</p>
<p>Very briefly, through a small number of other points, can I assure Lesley Griffiths that we have made an assessment of the UK Government's proposals? It's not completely clear whether they will take any of them forward in the next financial year, but I am ready, should there be any measures taken, that we will act to secure Wales's position and to make sure we don't end up with large amounts of waste coming across our border because people think it's easier to use landfill in Wales compared to England.</p>
<p>Mike Hedges I think usefully set out what happens if a budget doesn't pass—you've heard a number of colleagues say that—but he also made some important points in relation to the use of local government reserves.</p>
<p>Thank you to Jane Dodds for her continuing constructive engagement in getting a budget to pass through the Senedd. There are many, many things that we would like to do, and money isn't always the answer. When it comes to childcare, for example, yes, you need money to invest, but you have to have a workforce, and it's difficult to recruit in this area, and you have to have spaces as well. I think Carolyn Thomas said that childcare places need childcare spaces, and we've abolished the payment of non-domestic rates for childcare spaces, but we still know that that is a challenge in the sector.</p>
<p>Mick Antoniw will have seen that we have made provision for the BSL Bill, the backbench legislation. I expect my colleagues, when they bring forward legislation, to meet the costs of that from their budgets. It's part of the normal work of Government to make sure that Government takes account of the measures it itself expects to take. But where that's not Government legislation then I think there's a responsibility to make sure that the will of the Senedd is supported by budgets.</p>
<p>I did hear Gareth Davies. He said the Government had run out of steam. I think we can safely say that he himself has not run out of clichés.&nbsp;[<em>Interruption</em>.] I fully accept that there will probably be more where they came from. [<em>Laughter</em>.] But I'll pass swiftly on.</p>
<p>Thank you to Julie Morgan for what she said. Look—</p>

<p>Gareth Davies rose—</p>

<p>Good morning and welcome to today's meeting of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee. We've received apologies for this morning's session from Alun Davies and Gareth Davies. Lee Waters has given his apologies from 11:45 onwards, and we welcome Janet Finch-Saunders who is here as a substitute for Gareth Davies. So, a warm welcome to you, Janet. Does any Member have any interests to declare? I see that they don't.</p>

<p>Good morning, and welcome back. We are welcoming Joel James, who is here on behalf of Gareth Davies. A warm welcome to you to the committee today, Joel. We move on to item 3, annual scrutiny of arm's-length bodies, once again, and we're now having an evidence session with the National Library for Wales. I will ask our witnesses to introduce themselves for the record, and I'll go to Ashok first.</p>

<p>Well, Gareth Davies had the opportunity, I think, to set out in some depth his particular concerns, but clearly I'm not able to comment any more on the specific circumstances of the site, because that could prejudice the role of Welsh Ministers, should the case come before us at a later date, for example, at an appeal. I always want to helpful, but, unfortunately, when we are in the middle of a live planning appeal, I really can't say any more.</p>

<p>Thank you for that question, Gareth Davies. Of course, this is a very important responsibility of local government, working in partnership with Welsh Government in relation to the regulations, to make sure that building control is fit for purpose. And I know local authorities take their responsibilities very seriously.</p>
<p>And, again, if you want to raise these questions with the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, I know she’ll be able to give you more feedback and respond to your particular and specific examples, I hope, of the pressures that you have identified today.</p>

<p>Thank you very much, Gareth Davies.&nbsp;This is very much a joint Welsh Government response—.&nbsp;Well, it's a UK Government responsibility principally, but in terms of the ways in which we engage as a Welsh Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning and myself as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice engage with the leading banks and building societies.&nbsp;We've been devastated across Wales, haven't we, in terms of the loss of those branches.&nbsp;I congratulate you on playing your part in terms of getting an access-to-cash hub.&nbsp;I'm very proud of the funding that we're putting into credit unions. So, I will accept the request for a statement and, between us, we will make sure that we provide a statement across Welsh Government to address these important issues you raise.</p>

<p>Well, Gareth Davies, these are the arrangements that are made by our cross-party Business Committee. I don't think we need to say any more on this matter, except, of course, we are working today, and Westminster is actually not working for the next three weeks in terms of their party conferences, and we have been fully available and accessible as a Welsh Government throughout the summer. But our recess arrangements are a cross-party agreement that's made by the Business Committee, with the support of our Llywydd and Deputy Llywydd, in terms of enabling that to be discussed and agreed.</p>