Overview

This bill mandates the UK government to create and regularly update a strategy for recycling decommissioned Royal Navy nuclear submarines. It also requires public consultation on expanding existing decommissioning powers to cover these submarines and annual reporting on the associated taxpayer costs.

Description

This bill outlines the following key requirements:

• Recycling Strategy: The Secretary of State must develop a comprehensive strategy for recycling out-of-service Royal Navy nuclear submarines, including a detailed timetable for each vessel. This strategy, along with any revisions, must be presented to Parliament.
• Annual Progress Reports: The government must submit annual reports to Parliament detailing progress against the recycling timetable outlined in the strategy.
• Consultation on Decommissioning Powers: A public consultation is required on extending the powers of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (under the Energy Act 2004) to encompass the recycling of these submarines. A report on the consultation and the government's response will be submitted to Parliament.
• Taxpayer Liability Estimates: The government must provide Parliament with annual estimates of the taxpayer costs associated with decommissioning the submarines.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it mandates the government to regularly estimate and report on the taxpayer liability associated with the decommissioning and recycling of Royal Navy nuclear submarines. This suggests potential significant future spending depending on the scale and complexity of the recycling process.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect several groups:

• UK Government: Responsible for creating and implementing the recycling strategy, conducting consultations, and reporting to Parliament on progress and costs.
• Royal Navy: Directly impacted by the decommissioning and recycling of its submarines.
• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority: May see its responsibilities expanded to include the recycling of Royal Navy submarines, depending on the outcome of the consultation.
• Taxpayers: Will ultimately bear the financial cost of the decommissioning and recycling process.
• The Public: Will be consulted on extending the decommissioning powers.

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