Recommendations & Conclusions
38 items
1
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
PFAS are highly persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals with the potential for long-term environmental and human harm, despite ongoing scientific uncertainties around the toxicity of different PFAS. (Conclusion, Paragraph 22)
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the persistence and potential harm of PFAS, stating that its approach is guided by the Environmental Principles Policy Statement and the Precautionary Principle. They assert that the PFAS Plan is designed to strengthen understanding and take targeted action to reduce PFAS in …
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2
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
The Government’s PFAS Plan disproportionately focuses on expanding PFAS monitoring rather than preventing or remediating contamination. Applying the Government’s own environmental principles demands decisive action now to limit further release and exposure. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)
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The Government’s PFAS Plan disproportionately focuses on expanding PFAS monitoring rather than preventing or remediating contamination. Applying the Government’s own environmental principles demands decisive action now to limit further release and exposure. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses its commitment to cooperating with the EU on shared environmental objectives and chemicals management, but it does not address the Committee's concern about the UK's PFAS Plan disproportionately focusing on monitoring rather than prevention or remediation.
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3
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
Voluntary action on PFAS and self-regulation by industry are not sufficient to ensure transparency, accountability or reduce PFAS emissions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
Government response AI summary
The government shares the Committee’s ambition for an effective UK REACH framework and commits to reforming it by December 2028 to enable quicker and more efficient restrictions on substances like PFAS, drawing from EU regulatory decisions to strengthen oversight beyond voluntary action.
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4
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
The Government must act in line with the environmental principles, taking preventative and precautionary action to reduce cumulative PFAS exposure to both people and the environment. We expect the Government to set out in its response how its approach to PFAS has been developed with due regard to precautionary principle …
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The Government must act in line with the environmental principles, taking preventative and precautionary action to reduce cumulative PFAS exposure to both people and the environment. We expect the Government to set out in its response how its approach to PFAS has been developed with due regard to precautionary principle within the environmental principles policy statement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 25)
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms that the Environmental Principles Policy Statement, including the Precautionary Principle, has been given due regard in the development of the PFAS Plan. They explain that the plan's actions are supported by consideration of the principle due to the plausible risk of serious …
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5
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
UK REACH, in its current lagging and slow-moving form, risks leaving the UK behind international best practice and limits the Government’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging scientific evidence on PFAS. This increases the likelihood of further regulatory divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, creating trade barriers both ways, …
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UK REACH, in its current lagging and slow-moving form, risks leaving the UK behind international best practice and limits the Government’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging scientific evidence on PFAS. This increases the likelihood of further regulatory divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, creating trade barriers both ways, and detrimental consequences for UK goods in the EU market. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the current UK REACH framework is slow to introduce new restrictions and commits to delivering reforms as quickly as possible, intending to draw more from EU regulatory decisions to accelerate GB decision-making and reduce divergence.
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6
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
The Government should make use of existing EU-UK dialogue mechanisms to support UK alignment with EU REACH to avoid unnecessary regulatory divergence. Whilst UK Government may choose a different approach in some areas, without such alignment, UK manufacturers risk accidentally being placed at a competitive disadvantage, and the UK public …
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The Government should make use of existing EU-UK dialogue mechanisms to support UK alignment with EU REACH to avoid unnecessary regulatory divergence. Whilst UK Government may choose a different approach in some areas, without such alignment, UK manufacturers risk accidentally being placed at a competitive disadvantage, and the UK public may face greater exposure to PFAS due to the absence of the more precautionary approach being pursued in the EU. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36) 43
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on agreeing with the potential benefits of a group-based approach to PFAS regulation and how it draws on scientific expertise, but it does not address the recommendation to use EU-UK dialogue mechanisms to support alignment with EU REACH and avoid regulatory …
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7
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
UK REACH must be reformed to enable swifter restrictions on PFAS to ensure the UK can align with emerging evidence to act more quickly on substances of concern. (Conclusion, Paragraph 37)
Government response AI summary
The government shares the ambition and is already working to reform UK REACH for swifter PFAS restrictions. They commit to targeted engagement and public consultation, aiming to introduce reforms and necessary legislation by December 2028.
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8
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
The Government should reform UK REACH by March 2027 to avoid further delay in restricting PFAS. The Government should set targets at half the statutory maximum timescales and ensure that the Health and Safety Executive has the resources to meet these accelerated timelines. (Recommendation, Paragraph 38)
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The Government should reform UK REACH by March 2027 to avoid further delay in restricting PFAS. The Government should set targets at half the statutory maximum timescales and ensure that the Health and Safety Executive has the resources to meet these accelerated timelines. (Recommendation, Paragraph 38)
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Government response AI summary
The government shares the ambition to reform UK REACH for faster restrictions, stating they will align with EU decisions, but commits to introducing reforms, including necessary legislation, by December 2028, which is later than the recommended March 2027.
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9
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
The Government should adopt an essential-use approach to regulating PFAS, prioritising the rapid restriction of PFAS in non-essential applications. Clearly defined exemptions should be set for essential uses, with time-limited derogations where substitutes are still being developed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 46)
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The Government should adopt an essential-use approach to regulating PFAS, prioritising the rapid restriction of PFAS in non-essential applications. Clearly defined exemptions should be set for essential uses, with time-limited derogations where substitutes are still being developed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 46)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines its involvement in international initiatives and general research efforts to understand and manage PFAS risks, but it does not address the specific recommendation to adopt an essential-use approach for regulating PFAS and restricting non-essential applications.
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10
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
The Government should commission the Health and Safety Executive under UK REACH to bring forward restrictions on PFAS in non-essential consumer products (e.g. food packaging, cookware and school uniforms) without delay and begin a phased restriction from 2027. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47)
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The Government should commission the Health and Safety Executive under UK REACH to bring forward restrictions on PFAS in non-essential consumer products (e.g. food packaging, cookware and school uniforms) without delay and begin a phased restriction from 2027. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees action is needed but states current UK REACH reforms will take time, and they will consider regulatory and non-regulatory options, while monitoring EU developments before committing to specific restrictions or timelines.
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11
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
Replacing one PFAS with another can perpetuate long-term environmental and health risks and can lead to regrettable substitutions, whereby banned substances are rapidly replaced by chemically similar and potentially harmful alternatives. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
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Replacing one PFAS with another can perpetuate long-term environmental and health risks and can lead to regrettable substitutions, whereby banned substances are rapidly replaced by chemically similar and potentially harmful alternatives. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on improving transparency around PFAS in consumer products and supply chains to support informed choice, but it does not directly address the Committee's concern about regrettable substitutions where banned substances are replaced by chemically similar and potentially harmful alternatives.
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12
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
Due to the impracticality of assessing thousands of PFAS one by one, and the risk that new substances emerge faster than they can be evaluated, the UK’s current approach leaves regulators struggling to keep pace with industry innovation. While the burden of proof currently rests with Government before substances are …
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Due to the impracticality of assessing thousands of PFAS one by one, and the risk that new substances emerge faster than they can be evaluated, the UK’s current approach leaves regulators struggling to keep pace with industry innovation. While the burden of proof currently rests with Government before substances are banned, it is likely that without adopting a more ambitious approach the UK will continue to suffer significant PFAS contamination for many more decades. (Conclusion, Paragraph 55)
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Environment Agency is already implementing a robust PFAS monitoring strategy as part of the PFAS Plan, identifying risks, and guiding remediation efforts. They are conducting comprehensive studies on PFAS in landfill sites and wastewater to inform future regulation.
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13
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
Without a broad, group-based restriction on PFAS, the Government risks a “whack-a-mole” approach. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56)
Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee on the potential benefits of a group-based approach to PFAS regulation and notes that its current scientific and regulatory expertise already supports this. It is awaiting the final EU REACH universal PFAS restriction to inform future UK approaches.
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14
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
The Government should draw on independent scientific and regulatory expertise in taking a group-based approach for PFAS regulation within three months of the EU’s forthcoming assessment. This should include assessing options for grouping PFAS with similar structures, so that future restrictions can be applied more swiftly, and effectively as new …
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The Government should draw on independent scientific and regulatory expertise in taking a group-based approach for PFAS regulation within three months of the EU’s forthcoming assessment. This should include assessing options for grouping PFAS with similar structures, so that future restrictions can be applied more swiftly, and effectively as new evidence emerges. (Recommendation, Paragraph 57)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the challenges of mandatory PFAS reporting and improving supply chain transparency, rather than addressing the recommendation to adopt a group-based approach for PFAS regulation and assess grouping options.
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15
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
The Government should consult on the establishment of an industry-funded mechanism to rapidly assess the properties and risks of newly developed PFAS before they are permitted for use, and invest in the development of 44 safer alternatives. This mechanism should prevent regrettable substitutions, incentivise safer alternatives and enable faster, more …
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The Government should consult on the establishment of an industry-funded mechanism to rapidly assess the properties and risks of newly developed PFAS before they are permitted for use, and invest in the development of 44 safer alternatives. This mechanism should prevent regrettable substitutions, incentivise safer alternatives and enable faster, more effective regulatory decisions, with proposals published within 12 months of the publication of this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 58) Human exposure and risk management
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Government response AI summary
The government states that reducing PFAS emissions and supporting safer alternatives are central to their plan, and existing UK REACH frameworks require businesses to understand hazardous properties, but they do not commit to consulting on a new industry-funded mechanism for rapid assessment within 12 months.
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16
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
While gaps remain in understanding the toxicity of every individual PFAS, the evidence indicates that several PFAS are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Studies of highly exposed groups show clearer and more immediate risks, underscoring the need for precautionary action, given the extreme persistence and bioaccumulation …
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While gaps remain in understanding the toxicity of every individual PFAS, the evidence indicates that several PFAS are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Studies of highly exposed groups show clearer and more immediate risks, underscoring the need for precautionary action, given the extreme persistence and bioaccumulation of PFAS in the body, to protect the public. (Conclusion, Paragraph 64)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the "Polluter Pays Principle" and funding for PFAS contamination remediation, including the Land Remediation Pathfinder Scheme, but does not address the Committee's conclusion regarding the adverse health effects of PFAS, its bioaccumulation, and the need for precautionary action to protect …
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17
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
The Government should invest in long-term research on the health effects of PFAS exposure in the UK population. Within 12 months, it should publish a delivery plan setting out epidemiological studies to assess the cumulative impact of multiple PFAS and the establishment of biomonitoring programmes for groups with higher exposure. …
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The Government should invest in long-term research on the health effects of PFAS exposure in the UK population. Within 12 months, it should publish a delivery plan setting out epidemiological studies to assess the cumulative impact of multiple PFAS and the establishment of biomonitoring programmes for groups with higher exposure. For communities and occupations with known or suspected elevated PFAS exposure, the Government should also provide enhanced health screening, enabling early detection of health impacts, identification of trends, and reduced anxiety for affected individuals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on exploring opportunities for targeted investment in PFAS remediation innovation from 2027/28, which does not address the Committee's recommendation for long-term research on health effects, a delivery plan for epidemiological studies, or enhanced health screening for exposed groups.
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18
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
The challenges of managing the risks of PFAS and associated health impacts are not issues faced by the UK alone. Many of the lessons relevant to the UK are already emerging from studies and regulatory processes across the European Union and beyond. (Conclusion, Paragraph 66)
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The challenges of managing the risks of PFAS and associated health impacts are not issues faced by the UK alone. Many of the lessons relevant to the UK are already emerging from studies and regulatory processes across the European Union and beyond. (Conclusion, Paragraph 66)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the value of international practices in PFAS remediation and states that the Environment Agency is already developing technical guidance based on a growing evidence base and international best practice.
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19
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Not Addressed
The Government should draw on international best practice and collaborate with established PFAS research programmes to ensure that the UK is fully aligned with and contributing to this global evidence base. This will enable the Government to make evidence-based decisions more quickly and reduce the cost to the UK taxpayer. …
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The Government should draw on international best practice and collaborate with established PFAS research programmes to ensure that the UK is fully aligned with and contributing to this global evidence base. This will enable the Government to make evidence-based decisions more quickly and reduce the cost to the UK taxpayer. A synthesis report summarising the UK’s international engagement, findings and planned actions should be published within six months of this Committee’s report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 67)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response addresses the implications of PFAS restrictions on waste management infrastructure and firefighting foams, failing to engage with the recommendation to draw on international best practice, collaborate with research programmes, or publish a synthesis report on UK international engagement.
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20
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
Although the Government has begun setting statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water, which is a welcome step, significant gaps remain in managing and limiting human exposure to PFAS through food and agricultural pathways. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76)
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of addressing PFAS exposure through food and agricultural pathways, stating that risk management options, including setting maximum levels, will be considered following a scientific review. The Food Standards Agency is also strengthening testing capabilities and gathering occurrence data.
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21
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
The Government should set limits on the levels and types of PFAS permitted in food, giving producers, retailers, and regulators a consistent basis for protecting public health. This should include establishing and monitoring 45 limits on PFAS entering the food chain through agricultural processes. The Government should publish these limits …
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The Government should set limits on the levels and types of PFAS permitted in food, giving producers, retailers, and regulators a consistent basis for protecting public health. This should include establishing and monitoring 45 limits on PFAS entering the food chain through agricultural processes. The Government should publish these limits within three months of the publication of the Committee on Toxicity’s review to draw on the expertise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 77)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that risk management options, including setting maximum PFAS levels in food, will be considered by the FSA after the Committee on Toxicity's review. The FSA is strengthening testing capabilities and gathering data.
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22
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Rejected
Whilst PFAS-containing consumer products remain on the market, the Government should introduce interim limits on PFAS levels and require standardised labelling to ensure consumers are fully informed. Implementation should be led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, working with the Food Standards Agency and the Office for …
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Whilst PFAS-containing consumer products remain on the market, the Government should introduce interim limits on PFAS levels and require standardised labelling to ensure consumers are fully informed. Implementation should be led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, working with the Food Standards Agency and the Office for Product Safety and Standards. This should take effect within six months and remain in place until PFAS are restricted in non-essential consumer goods. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that industry is best placed to lead improvements in product information through voluntary disclosure, rather than introducing interim limits or mandatory labelling. They commit to exploring how transparency can be improved and supporting industry efforts but do not agree to the specific, …
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23
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
Whilst the PFAS Plan sets out monitoring commitments, it lacks the specificity needed to inform and deliver action. Without clear requirements on what to monitor, the methods to use, and the thresholds for concern, and without adequate funding and laboratory capacity, the Environment Agency cannot enforce limits or identify risks …
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Whilst the PFAS Plan sets out monitoring commitments, it lacks the specificity needed to inform and deliver action. Without clear requirements on what to monitor, the methods to use, and the thresholds for concern, and without adequate funding and laboratory capacity, the Environment Agency cannot enforce limits or identify risks in time to act. (Conclusion, Paragraph 83)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Environment Agency is already implementing a robust PFAS monitoring strategy, prioritising activity and using data to identify risks and guide regulatory action and remediation. They assert that the EA operates one of the world's most comprehensive PFAS environmental monitoring programmes.
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24
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
The Government should provide full detail, in its response, on how its PFAS monitoring strategy will support enforcement and remediation. This should include a clear explanation of how monitoring results will be used to identify risks, guide remediation activity, and underpin regulatory enforcement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 84)
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The Government should provide full detail, in its response, on how its PFAS monitoring strategy will support enforcement and remediation. This should include a clear explanation of how monitoring results will be used to identify risks, guide remediation activity, and underpin regulatory enforcement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 84)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Environment Agency's existing PFAS monitoring programme already identifies risks, targets regulatory action, and supports remediation, and they are using robust scientific approaches to interpret the data for targeted interventions.
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25
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
The Government should accompany this with an assessment of the resources required for the Environment Agency to deliver their responsibilities outlined in the PFAS Plan and commit to providing the associated funding in its response. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85) Addressing pollution
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The Government should accompany this with an assessment of the resources required for the Environment Agency to deliver their responsibilities outlined in the PFAS Plan and commit to providing the associated funding in its response. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85) Addressing pollution
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of appropriately resourcing the EA for PFAS responsibilities and will continue to assess their medium and long-term needs through established processes, without committing to provide associated funding in the response.
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26
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
Lack of supply chain transparency fundamentally undermines the UK’s ability to manage PFAS at end-of-life, leaving councils, waste operators and regulators unable to prevent products with PFAS entering landfill, and leading to further pollution of waterways, soil and the wider environment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 93)
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Lack of supply chain transparency fundamentally undermines the UK’s ability to manage PFAS at end-of-life, leaving councils, waste operators and regulators unable to prevent products with PFAS entering landfill, and leading to further pollution of waterways, soil and the wider environment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 93)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of improving PFAS supply chain transparency, noting that existing regulatory frameworks (UK REACH, CLP) provide some mechanisms. They are monitoring international developments and will continue to engage with industry to explore future improvements, while acknowledging the challenges of mandatory reporting.
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27
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
The Government should consult on mandatory PFAS disclosures across supply chains within six months, requiring manufacturers and importers to report the presence and purpose of PFAS in products placed on the UK market to support safe handling and disposal. (Recommendation, Paragraph 94) 46
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The Government should consult on mandatory PFAS disclosures across supply chains within six months, requiring manufacturers and importers to report the presence and purpose of PFAS in products placed on the UK market to support safe handling and disposal. (Recommendation, Paragraph 94) 46
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the value of improving transparency and states existing frameworks provide mechanisms for information on hazardous substances, but does not commit to consulting on mandatory PFAS disclosures across supply chains within six months, citing challenges with global supply chains.
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28
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
The Government must set out in its response a timeline to divert PFAS waste from landfill towards safer treatment or destruction technologies to manage increasing volumes of PFAS waste without causing further environmental contamination. (Recommendation, Paragraph 95)
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The Government must set out in its response a timeline to divert PFAS waste from landfill towards safer treatment or destruction technologies to manage increasing volumes of PFAS waste without causing further environmental contamination. (Recommendation, Paragraph 95)
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the importance of effective PFAS waste management and is conducting a review of landfill policies, considering POPs and PFAS, and gathering information for future interventions. They state any transition from landfill will be phased and evidence-led, but do not provide a timeline.
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29
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
Remediating PFAS contamination in the environment is expensive and technically complex. The current regulatory approach that permits continued use of PFAS until harm is proven means that these substances can legally continue to accumulate in the environment, steadily increasing the long term environmental and financial burden. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)
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Remediating PFAS contamination in the environment is expensive and technically complex. The current regulatory approach that permits continued use of PFAS until harm is proven means that these substances can legally continue to accumulate in the environment, steadily increasing the long term environmental and financial burden. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's focus on the Polluter Pays Principle and welcomes recommendations on funding and liability for PFAS, agreeing they warrant serious consideration for a longer-term approach. They are considering how existing support mechanisms like the Land Remediation Pathfinder Scheme (announced for Autumn …
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30
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
The Government has not applied the polluter pays principle adequately to deter future PFAS emissions nor has it allocated sufficient government funding to tackle the remediation of PFAS in the environment where liable parties cannot be identified. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107)
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The Government has not applied the polluter pays principle adequately to deter future PFAS emissions nor has it allocated sufficient government funding to tackle the remediation of PFAS in the environment where liable parties cannot be identified. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of the Polluter Pays Principle and the committee's recommendations on PFAS remediation funding and liability, agreeing they warrant serious consideration for a longer-term approach. They are considering existing support mechanisms, including the Land Remediation Pathfinder Scheme (announced for Autumn 2025), …
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31
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
The Government should apply the polluter pays principle to prevent ongoing and historic PFAS contamination and consult by March 2027 on establishing a national PFAS Remediation Fund. The Government should: • explore the implications of an emissions levy for PFAS on the UK REACH candidate list, to deter ongoing environmental …
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The Government should apply the polluter pays principle to prevent ongoing and historic PFAS contamination and consult by March 2027 on establishing a national PFAS Remediation Fund. The Government should: • explore the implications of an emissions levy for PFAS on the UK REACH candidate list, to deter ongoing environmental contamination and hold polluters responsible; • consider options for extending the polluter pays principle to products manufactured overseas and imported into the UK; • ensure that when the Government extends the polluter pays principle that UK manufacturers are not at a disadvantage to overseas manufacturers of products; • increase dedicated central government funding for local authorities to remediate where no responsible party can be identified; and • ensure that the Remediation Fund and associated enforcement are overseen by the Environment Agency, and ensure that the Environment Agency has the necessary resources and skills required to implement any monitoring and enforcement responsibilities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108)
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendations on the polluter pays principle, levies, and a national PFAS Remediation Fund, agreeing they warrant serious consideration as part of a longer-term approach, but does not commit to consulting by March 2027 or establishing the fund.
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32
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Deferred
Existing PFAS contamination in the environment must be addressed alongside prevention. Even with strong restrictions on future PFAS use, the UK already faces significant legacy contamination. Without action now, this legacy burden will pose long-term risks to public health and the environment, and mounting costs will continue to fall on …
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Existing PFAS contamination in the environment must be addressed alongside prevention. Even with strong restrictions on future PFAS use, the UK already faces significant legacy contamination. Without action now, this legacy burden will pose long-term risks to public health and the environment, and mounting costs will continue to fall on government (and taxpayers) and water companies (and water bill payers). (Conclusion, Paragraph 113) 47
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need to address PFAS contamination and commits to exploring further investment opportunities with UKRI, aiming to allocate funding for remediation projects from 2027/28.
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33
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
Industry urgently needs clear direction and Government approval on viable remediation methods so that contaminated materials can be treated safely and at scale. (Conclusion, Paragraph 114)
Government response AI summary
The government recognises the value of formal guidance for PFAS remediation and states the Environment Agency is developing technical guidance for regulators, industry, and landowners on investigation, assessment, and management of PFAS contamination.
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34
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
The Government should support the development and deployment of scalable, cost-effective PFAS remediation technologies by directing investment through UK Research and Innovation into research, innovation and practical support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115)
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The Government should support the development and deployment of scalable, cost-effective PFAS remediation technologies by directing investment through UK Research and Innovation into research, innovation and practical support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of investment in PFAS remediation technologies and notes UKRI is already supporting projects. They commit to exploring further opportunities with UKRI to allocate funding for such projects starting from 2027/28.
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35
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted
The Government must publish formally approved guidance for PFAS remediation to provide businesses, local authorities and regulators with the certainty needed to deliver timely, safe and effective remediation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)
Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the value of formal guidance for PFAS remediation and states the Environment Agency is developing technical guidance for regulators, industry, and landowners on investigation, assessment, and management of PFAS contamination, building on existing evidence and tools.
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36
Conclusion
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
PFAS contamination cannot be addressed without reliable destruction capacity. Current UK incineration capacity is insufficient to treat the increasing volume of PFAS containing waste diverted from landfill, and significant gaps remain in the availability, scalability, and verification of other destruction technologies. (Conclusion, Paragraph 123)
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PFAS contamination cannot be addressed without reliable destruction capacity. Current UK incineration capacity is insufficient to treat the increasing volume of PFAS containing waste diverted from landfill, and significant gaps remain in the availability, scalability, and verification of other destruction technologies. (Conclusion, Paragraph 123)
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the importance of understanding waste management implications and is keeping the issue under active review, noting that current capacity constraints exist. They anticipate an HSE opinion and potential transition periods will inform future understanding of capacity requirements.
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37
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Acknowledged
The Government should assess the volume of PFAS containing waste expected from forthcoming restrictions and determine whether UK high- temperature incineration capacity is sufficient. The Government should write to the Committee with its findings and proposed actions within six months. (Recommendation, Paragraph 124)
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The Government should assess the volume of PFAS containing waste expected from forthcoming restrictions and determine whether UK high- temperature incineration capacity is sufficient. The Government should write to the Committee with its findings and proposed actions within six months. (Recommendation, Paragraph 124)
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the importance of understanding waste implications and is keeping the issue under active review, noting that HSE's forthcoming opinion on PFAS in firefighting foams will set out assessments and that any transition period for restrictions would allow for new treatment capacity.
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38
Recommendation
9th Report - Addressing the risks from …
Accepted in Part
The Government must commit, within six months, to funding the research and development of non-incineration PFAS destruction technologies through UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 125) 48
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the role of R&D in non-incineration destruction and notes UKRI is already supporting projects. While 2026/27 funding is agreed, they commit to exploring further opportunities with UKRI to allocate funding for innovative PFAS destruction technologies from 2027/28, missing the requested six-month timeline …
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