THE UK Government will pay back residents, the Scottish Government, and the local council to cover any cash spent following evacuations caused by land movement in Clackmannanshire.
Historic coal mining has been confirmed as the cause of the ground movement, meaning the UK Government will also by law have to fund the cost of making residents' homes safe.
More than 250 people have been displaced in Coalsnaughton and locals have been told their homes are dangerous following the ground movements.
Families from 36 homes in the former mining village were first evacuated on May 18 amid an investigation, with further evacuations eventually bringing the total to 97 homes.
Families have been supported by Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government, which announced a £1 million emergency funding package in June.
Last month, First Minister John Swinney visited the village where he chaired a round table with members of the local council, the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA), and other organisations.
However, the UK Government announced today that the MRA will take over management of the incident response, and funding would be reimbursed.
It comes after the MRA completed an eight-week investigation into the incident, confirming that the cause of the recent ground movement is linked to historical coal mining.
Speaking to The National days after being evacuated, locals described seeing doorframes in their homes “crack”, with skirting boards coming away from walls and the road in one of the streets bulging.
Residents from the village are currently in short-term accommodation, with some being put up in housing association properties, while others are in private rentals including Airbnbs.
Others are in alternative temporary accommodation, including student residences in Stirling, with some choosing to stay with family, The National understands.
Ahead of a visit to Coalsnaughton to meet affected residents, UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “This has obviously been an extremely difficult situation for families over the past few months and I want to reassure all those affected that no one will be left to shoulder the burden alone.
“The UK Government stands ready to do everything within our power to support those households affected, working side by side with the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council.
“My thoughts are with all those caught up in this disruption which I know will be taking a real toll on families in the community.”
Under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, the UK Government has a duty to remedy coal mining subsidence damage, including funding repairs to make homes safe again or, where appropriate, providing alternative solutions.
The UK Government will now meet the costs of making affected homes safe, while alternative support could be made available where properties have suffered significant damage.
For homes with the most serious damage, residents may be offered the option for the Government to purchase their property at its full market value prior to the incident, as well as additional support to relocate if required.
Households are expected to find out what will happen to their properties and the specific options available to them over the coming weeks and months, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The MRA said it has contacted all affected households to put immediate support in place and explain the next steps, including working with Clackmannanshire Council and other local partners to provide temporary accommodation where required.
Each household will also be given a named Community Support Account Manager, who will guide residents through the process and help them access support over the coming months.
Residents will be able to access the service for as long as necessary, with information also available through a dedicated website, community helpline and a hub in Coalsnaughton.
Reacting to the confirmation that historical mining has been confirmed responsible, local MSP Keith Brown said:
“This is the news that residents have been waiting months to hear. While it will not undo the anxiety, upheaval and distress they have endured, it finally provides the clarity that families deserve and establishes responsibility.
“From the very beginning, residents have simply wanted answers. Throughout this crisis I have consistently argued that those affected could not be left in limbo indefinitely, and I welcome the confirmation that former mining activity has been identified as the cause.
“The priority now must be ensuring residents receive the support they need, that work to make the area safe proceeds without delay, and that everyone affected has a clear pathway forward.
“The people of Coalsnaughton have carried this burden for long enough. Today’s announcement represents a hugely important milestone, but our job is far from over. The UK Government and the Mining Remediation Authority must now provide residents with a clear timetable, keep them fully informed at every stage, and deliver the investment and action needed to allow this community to recover.”
Scottish Government Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the Scottish Government will provide further funding to Clackmannanshire Council to support its emergency response.
Somerville said: “We know the situation in Coalsnaughton has caused considerable anxiety and stress to the residents affected. Whilst residents will be relieved that there is now a cause identified and next steps can be progressed, this is of course going to mean considerable disruption and continued distress whilst permanent solutions can be found for those who have been displaced and my thoughts are with all those who have been affected.
“The Scottish Government will continue to participate in the resilience and recovery operation and work with Clackmannanshire Council. The Scottish Government has made £1 million available to the council to support residents, and we understand that some of this will now be reimbursed by the MRA. The Scottish Government has confirmed that this will be made available to the Council and that financial flexibilities remain in place so they can continue to provide support to residents.
“We will also work with the Council and Kingdom Housing Association to maximise opportunities to secure property in the local area, this includes providing flexibilities to Clackmannanshire Council to draw on funding available through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme.
“I urge the Mining Remediation Authority to ensure claims for remediation or compensation are dealt with as quickly as possible.”
Carl Banton, chief operations director at the MRA, said: “The safety and welfare of residents remain the priority for every partner involved in the response. We are working closely with Clackmannanshire Council and the Local Resilience Partnership to make sure that support remains in place and that everyone has a clear point of contact.
“We will be contacting affected residents directly to explain what this means for them personally, and to talk through the support that is available.
“We are committed to keeping you informed at every stage of this recovery phase, and we are working hard to ensure that this community is safe.”
Investigations at the site remain ongoing and the MRA has confirmed there are still signs of ground movement.
Once the ground has stabilised, the site will continue to be monitored to ensure it is safe and stable.
The MRA said incidents involving historic coal mining sites which require residents to be evacuated are “extremely rare”.
