Consultation outcome

Managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning

From:
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Published
1 March 2023
Last updated
16 May 2024 — See all updates
This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government
This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning policy: government response

PDF, 457 KB, 43 pages

Managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning: UK policy framework

PDF, 1.92 MB, 148 pages

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Detail of outcome

We have made a number of amendments to the draft policy framework based on the feedback, including:

  • simplifying the structure and removing extraneous detail
  • clarifying aspects of the policy, in particular how the policy applies to radioactive liquid and gaseous waste
  • adding detail for near surface disposal facilities for the disposal of less hazardous intermediate level waste in England and Wales

The UK government and devolved administrations have published the final UK-wide policy framework on managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning, consolidating the policies of all parts of the UK.

Detail of feedback received

We received 330 responses to this consultation from:

  • members of the public
  • local government
  • nuclear site stakeholder groups
  • industry
  • regulators
  • other interest groups

The majority of respondents were supportive of the proposals.

136 respondents raised issues that were beyond the scope of the consultation. We have provided responses to these issues too. 

Original consultation

Summary

We're seeking views on policy proposals for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on proposals to update and consolidate the policies of the UK government and devolved administrations on managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning into a single UK-wide policy framework.

The proposals aim to create clearer more consistent policy objectives across the UK and facilitate speedier and more cost-effective decommissioning and radioactive waste management, whilst maintaining high standards of safety, security and environmental protection.

The proposals focus on 3 areas:

  • managing solid radioactive waste
  • updating the policy for nuclear decommissioning
  • managing nuclear materials and spent nuclear fuel

The consultation is in 2 parts.

Part 1 sets out policies we are proposing to amend aimed primarily at driving improvements in nuclear decommissioning and managing radioactive waste.

Part 2 is a draft of the proposed UK-wide policy framework as it would appear if the policy changes being consulted on in Part I were implemented.

Read our consultation privacy notice.

Welsh version

Rheoli sylweddau ymbelydrol a datgomisiynu niwclear

Documents

Part I: UK policy proposals for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning

PDF, 1.22 MB, 58 pages

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Part II: Draft UK policy framework for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning

PDF, 2.88 MB, 208 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Updates to this page

Published 1 March 2023
Last updated 16 May 2024 + show all updates

  1. Government response and policy framework published.

  2. First published.

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