UK nuclear waste facility plans delayed by spending review

Progress on plans for an underground nuclear waste facility off the Cumbrian coast has slowed following a government spending review, according to regulators. The Environment Agency and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) expressed concerns regarding whether Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) possesses sufficient staff and expertise to execute the next stage of the programme.

The joint annual report notes that NWS had to revise its programme following the Government’s 2025 Spending Review. While NWS confirmed a reduction in its workforce to lower running costs and redirect funding toward decommissioning, it stated that the spending review has not resulted in changes to the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) siting process.

In Mid Copeland and South Copeland, communities continue to await a government decision on detailed geological investigations. Additionally, the Environment Agency has postponed its first permit-readiness inspection, originally scheduled for 2025, until the second half of 2026–27 due to programme delays.